Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common diagnosis for seniors, and many of us will have more than one aging parents with this condition. The diagnosis, indicating a progressive disease, often requires multi-year medial care and can require invasive cardiac procedures, many medications, lifestyle and diet changes, and medical supplies such as compression stockings which are unpleasant to put on and take off.
As I read blogs and speak with friends and acquaintances who are aging children, I am struck by how many of them have parents with congestive heart failure. We have found that CHF can require significant support and requires extra attention to avoid emergency hospital visits.
How Stuff Works, a web site filled with explanations of all kinds, posts an excellent 6-part explanation of CHF*, written clearly and concisely. The article gives an overview of congestive heart failure, explaining why it occurs, what symptoms are observed, the locations in the heart where problems occur, how it is treated, and what a person can do to avoid developing congestive heart failure. Part V of the series features additional links that explore other aspects of heart disease and heart health.
Other CHF Links
- Mayo Clinic
- American Heart Association
- Medline Plus X-Plain Patient Education on CHF
- Living with Congestive Heart Failure May 16, 2008 — UCSF’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute presents Dr. Michael Harper, Director of the Geriatrics Fellowship Program and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF, discussing living with congestive heart failure in later life.
* Bianco, Carl. “How Congestive Heart Failure Works.” 01 August 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. 19 March 2010.
As Our Parents Age So Do We 
Pingback: Congestive Heart Failure-Reliable Resources to Help Adult Children Learn More « As Our Parents Age