CHI Franciscan - Highline

ROSEMARY PETERSON, MD, FACC Your heart is a muscle, and if it isn't strong enough to do its job, you could be at risk for severe health problems. But how do you know if it's working properly? Heart Check ACCORDING TO THE National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, approximately 5.1 million Americans have heart failure, a chronic condition that affects how the heart pumps life-giving blood throughout the body. Joan Johnson, a 77-year-old former operating room tech and licensed practical nurse from Tacoma, lived with heart failure for years. One day in September 2014, she discovered she couldn't stand up and soon passed out. "My daughter-in-law took me to the hospital, where I went to the cardiac unit—I was so scared," said Joan. "They took care of me and showed me how to monitor my diet and take my medications properly. I owe everything to the doctors, nurses and technicians." Rosemary Peterson, MD, FACC, board-certifi ed heart failure and transplant specialist and invasive cardiologist with CHI Franciscan Health, estimates 500,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year. "When chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes go unchecked or untreated, the likelihood of heart failure increases," said Dr. Peterson. "Both diabetes and high blood pressure can make the heart tissue stiffen, leading it to fi ll with fl uid and cause diastolic heart failure." Another type of heart failure, called systolic heart failure, occurs when the heart is weakened and unable to properly pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms of heart failure include: > Changes in appetite > Fatigue > Frequent urination during the night > Irregular pulse or heartbeat > Shortness of breath during sleep or while lying down > Swollen ankles and feet > Unintended weight loss MAKING CHANGES FOR THE BETTER For many people with heart failure, the best treatment relies on lifestyle modifi cations coupled with specifi c medications. However, because Joan's condition had caused a serious problem with her heart, she needed more advanced care. "Every patient's heart and medical history are different, so treatment is tailored to the individual," Dr. Peterson said. "Medications that help reduce fl uid overload are proven to increase survival rates, but patient education remains our primary focus." A fter Joan's treatment, the CHI Franciscan cardiolog y team worked with her to adjust the rhy thms of her life to better manage the condition. Joan's cardiologist gave her a clear medication schedule, referred her to cardiac rehabilitation and the diabetes clinic, and instructed her to eat and exercise appropriately. She's been following the expert guidance to the letter. For Dr. Peterson and her team, appropriate medical care and communication are vital to helping patients maintain quality of life. CHI Franciscan offers a variety of classes to answer questions and address concerns specifi c to heart failure. Support groups are available for patients and their families, as well as a comprehensive Heart Failure Clinic. "When working with patients, our goal is to help them connect the dots and allow them to retake control of their lives," Dr. Peterson said. "Knowledge truly is power—and can help prevent heart failure. I encourage patients with chronic health conditions related to heart failure to work with their primary care physicians to address these issues head on." chifranciscan.org /// HIGHLINE MEDICAL CENTER 9 pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms of heart failure include: MAKING CHANGES FOR THE BETTER pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms of heart failure include: MAKING CHANGES FOR THE BETTER Join a free support group or class. Our support groups are led by clinicians specializing in heart failure. A free support group is available in Federal Way. To learn more, visit chifranciscan.org/heartfailure or call (253) 426-4766. HEART FAILURE? YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE! We understand how heart failure can inhibit a person living life to the fullest, and we are committed to providing you the care and support you need to achieve your best health. In 2014, CHI Franciscan Health partnered with The Healthcare Colloquium to undergo Heart Failure Accreditation. We reviewed key areas impacting heart failure including our hospitals, health care providers, our communities' needs and the medical science of the disease. It is our goal to provide the best care for all patients living with heart failure, ranging from being newly diagnosed to those in need of advanced care. As a result, CHI Franciscan became the first health system named an Accredited System in the Northwest for Heart Failure by The Healthcare Colloquium. If you've had a heart attack or have concerns about your heart, speak with your primary care physician about your risk for heart failure. Visit chifranciscan.org/heartfailure to learn more.

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