Heart Failure Care
Congestive heart failure (CHF), oftentimes referred to simply as heart failure, occurs when the heart is unable to pump a sufficient amount of blood for the body. Unlike a sudden cardiac event (such as a heart attack), heart failure is a chronic condition that may develop over the course of many years. While not all conditions that lead to heart failure can be completely reversed, many patients find therapies that improve their symptoms and overall quality of life at Santa Rosa Medical Center.
What Causes Heart Failure?
There are many reasons why heart failure or CHF develops. Some of factors associated with heart failure may include:
- Poor lifestyle choices – The way you live your life plays a key part in your heart health. Factors such as a poor diet high in salt, fat, sugar and cholesterol; a lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle; smoking; and poor stress management play a role in causing heart failure. Making lifestyle changes may help control or eliminate many of the risk factors for heart disease.
- Not controlling diabetes or high blood pressure – See a doctor for help managing these problems, which are often associated with heart failure.
- Weight management – Talk to your doctor about weight management strategies, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Swelling in the legs and feet – Always check on areas of your body that may have excess fluid or swelling. Fluid retention can be a sign of heart failure. Talk to your doctor if you notice swelling in the feet or abdomen.
Heart Failure Care In Santa Rosa County
Heart failure specialists at Santa Rosa Medical Center utilize a wide range of diagnostic technologies in determining the extent of heart failure. Doctors and nurses who specialize in heart failure care provide a management program that offers:
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Medical management - Through the use of medications, doctors can effectively lower blood pressure, eliminate excess water weight, prevent blood clots and slow the heart rate. Your cardiologist in Milton will develop a heart failure management program that is right for you by combining medication and lifestyle changes.
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Risk-factor management - As mentioned before, poor lifestyle choices such as eating unhealthy foods, lack of exercise, smoking, and not getting enough rest, can play key parts in causing heart failure. Providers at Santa Rosa Medical Center may offer patients advice and education as well as effective programs to help prevent further damage to their body.
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Minimally invasive cardiac catheterization techniques - Cardiologists in our Santa Rosa County facility use minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement to open up blocked arteries, allowing for better blood flow.
Find a Cardiologist Near You In Milton, FL
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