Need Information: Congestive Heart Failure

[SME]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone here on the boards knew much about heart conditions, preferably ones that have to do with myocarditis. I'm doing a bit of research but a lot of the information I'm finding is varied and broad.

I know someone who was recently diagnosed with the condition, and has told me that he had been in contact with a nasty virus a while ago, which is what the doctors have said probably caused this condition.

Any information would be greatly appreciated, but if anyone has any first or second hand experience I could use your expertise.

Thank you for reading this.

[backlotanimation]

Hello SME,
I used my wifes Taber's medical dictionary and this is what it says.

Myocarditis [" = kardia,heart, = itis,inflammation] Inflammation of the myocardium. also see: cardiomyopathy in the nursing diagnoses appendix.

Symptoms: Apex beat is extremely weak and rapid,pulse is irreguler and weak, there is tenderness over precordium,and percussion is negative.
Auscultation reveals that the first heart sound resembles the secound heart sound, being high pitched and wanting in muscular quality. the electrocardiogram may be normal or show only non-specific ST-T wave abnormalities.

Etiology: Myocarditis may be associated with a number of conditions, including many types of bacterial,fungal,protozoal,and viral infections,heat stroke,and ionizing radiation.
It commonly occurs after rheumatic fever and diphtheria.
the specific cause may be unknown.

Nursing Implications: Complete bedrest is perscribed until symptoms resolve.
a light diet including foods to prevent constipation and a stress-free environment are provided.
electocardiogram and cardiac status are assessed frequently for signs of increased cardiac workload and fatigue.If these occur, more frequent rest periods are provided. prescribed antibiotics are administered, and immediate treatment is instituded for progressive or life-threatening dysrhythmias. Activity is increased gradually after the acute phase. during the recovery period, the patient should avoid travel to high altitudes, frequent stair climbing,and stress.



I hope this helps you out some? I'll ask my wife when she gets home what she knows about it and post it here if she can add anything to this.


Roy

[Elfstalker]

Endocarditis and CHF are 2 different things.

Endocarditis is inflammationon of the tissue surrounding the heart. The cause can be many.

CHF is basically heart failure. Also, causes can be many, though those with CHF are pretty much in bad shape.

I brought out my lecture notes since we just covered the heart this block.

Causes of of CHF:

-coronary heart disease
-Myocardial infarction
-hypertention
-diabetes mellitus
-valvular disorders
-infections
-anemia
-hypo/hyper thyroidism
-pregnancy
-arrhythmia
-genetics

What exactly are you looking for? Symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment?

[blueheaven]

My grandfather lived with CHF for over a decade with the help of a pacemaker. He was born with an enlarged heart, and it became a problem for him when he got older. For the most part, he was very active in his final years.

[SME]

Thanks for the response everyone.

Basically, that's what the person has. Was born with an enlarged heart but has recently been diagnosed with myocarditis. Basically, I wanted to know if there is a "cure" for it? I know heart conditions on its own is something that happens as a person gets older, but with this person, a heart-transplant is out of the option, so is there anything else out there that might help?

I've looked and found out that myocarditis is extremely uncommon, and usually is the cause of sudden deaths in younger people, but this person is in the 40's, so there isn't that much information on the topic.

And what exactly causes the feet to swell, is it due to the heart not pumping as fast as it should be?

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

[blueheaven]

The swelling is caused by a buildup of fluid in the system. Sometimes you see it in the arms and feet, sometimes the face. The heart can't move blood as strong as it once did, so fluid backs up in the body. My grandfather's face would swell up when he had an episode. Folks with CHF can live a pretty long life if they can avoid stress, eat right, and don't exert themselves. My grandfather was 72 when he died, and 61 when he was diagnosed.

[Elfstalker]

It needs to be certain what is causing the myocarditis. If it's a bacterial infection, then he needs to go on antibiotics. If it's viral, then antibiotics won't work.

Like Brian mentioned, avoiding stress, physical exertion, and proper diet is helpful to prevent aggravation of the heart.

Also, with myocarditis, treatment of the symptoms, mainly pain is common. Most likely, he'll be put on NSAID's (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) and or corticosteroids to help with the pain.

Edema (or swelling) of the extremeties, is a symptom of a weak heart, like Brian mentioned. An enlarged heart is weaker since the muscles are stretched out to compensate for the lack of oxygen, so you basically have a flabby heart that's trying extra hard. The result of the lack of efficiency is swelling since the heart is unable to keep up with circulating the blood.

[Xelloss]

There are treatments for CHF itself.

Many early stages can be managed with various medications.

For moderate to severe, cardiac resyncronization therepy is an option -- basically use a multi-chamber pacemaker to help the heart give a consistant pumping motion. Studies have shown that that type of therepy can actually partially reverse the condition.

Transplants are an option for the most severe cases, but early treatment can prevent the eventually need for this.

- Karen