Heart Health Series: Part 1

   While many people think heart failure means the heart stops beating, it actually means the heart is unable to pump blood and oxygen effectively throughout the body. The disease can begin suddenly after an injury or illness, or due to a medical condition that damages the heart. Most often, heart failure develops over time, and it can be debilitating if not properly treated. 

  Heart failure can be reversed if treated properly. Dr. Kanika Mody, Advanced Heart Failure Cardiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center shares warning signs of heart failure, and how to help: 

What Heart Failure Looks Like: 
1. Shortness of breath at rest or during an activity
2. Fatigue or inability to exert energy
3. Coughing or wheezing
4. Swelling and weight gain from fluid buildup in the ankles, lower legs, or abdomen
5. Nausea or loss of appetite
6. Difficulty sleeping on your back
7. Swelling in the veins of the neck
8. Frequent need to urinate

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your physician immediately. 

Do not hesitate to call 911 if you or a loved one is experiencing: 

1. Difficulty breathing
2. Chest pain
3. Fainting, sudden dizziness, or loss of consciousness 
These can be symptoms of a heart attack and require immediate emergency care. 

Heart Failure Treatment and Tips: 
The good news is that heart failure can at times be reversed. Medications can be prescribed to treat heart failure and strengthen your heart muscle, as well as reduce edema and fluid retention. Other steps you can take: 

1. Quit smoking (and vaping)
2. Reduce salt/sodium intake 
3. Increase physical activity, especially aerobic activity: WALK! 
4. Manage/reduce your stress level (Tips on stress management in part 2 of this series)
5. Lose weight 
(Hackensack Meridian Health Winter 2024 publication) 

As a Parish Nurse, there are a few suggestions that I try to offer to individuals that I am blessed to meet and serve Christ with:

1. Every individual age 40 or above, should begin seeing a cardiologist. It is never too early to begin heart screenings, blood work (CBC and CMP, lipids levels, cholesterol screenings, and more) and echocardiograms to establish what your baseline heart health is. 

2. Everyone should begin an aerobic exercise regime, such as walking, or stationary cycling, 30-40 minutes five times per week, after clearing this activity with their physician. Having a walking partner, either a neighbor, or a fellow church member, is an excellent way to promote your daily exercise habits. 

3. Your congregations can begin walking groups, low impact exercise groups such as stretch classes, or host guest speakers on heart health, nutrition and stress management, and more!

4. Pray for one another! Encouraging one another in Christ can strengthen your perseverance to improve your health! God cares about your physical, spiritual and emotional health! 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in
Christ Jesus. "

In His joy and service, 

Colleen Bottcher RN, BSN, FCN 
NJ District LCMS Parish Nurse Rep. 
email: [email protected]