Congestive heart failure monitoring

A MinuteClinic provider can help monitor your condition between visits to your primary care physician (PCP). During your visit, a MinuteClinic provider may order lab work if needed and send a copy of your visit to your PCP with your permission. Depending on your condition, you may also be referred to another health care provider.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

The most common cause of congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease, which is a problem with the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. Other causes can include:

• High blood pressure
• Lung infections and other infections that cause damage to the heart muscle
• Heart attack
• Abnormal heart valve function

CHF can worsen over time. Monitoring is important for managing your condition and symptoms. Congestive heart failure monitoring is an evaluation of your muscle response to exercise, as well as how much fluid you have in your system. It can also involve monitoring your blood pressure, weight and heart rate.

Congestive heart failure treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. Some options include:

• Medication
• Changes in diet and lifestyle, such as eating fewer salt-rich foods
• Regular exercise

In some cases, a health care provider may recommend an implantable device for congestive heart failure monitoring. The implantable device can automatically monitor your heart activity and will send a shock to the heart muscle if it detects an abnormal rhythm. Two of the most common implantable devices include:

• Pacemakers These devices deliver electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to help regulate your heartbeat. They are implanted under the skin and attached to a vein near your collarbone.
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICDs) ICDs are like pacemakers, but they also include a defibrillator. The defibrillator shocks the heart back to a normal rhythm if it goes into cardiac arrest. ICDs are implanted in the same way as pacemakers.

There are 4 stages of congestive heart failure that can worsen over time if the condition is left untreated. The stages progress as follows:

• Stage A Considered pre-heart failure, in this stage, you have a high risk of developing congestive heart failure depending on your lifestyle, symptoms and family history.
• Stage B Also considered pre-heart failure, in this stage, you’ve been diagnosed with systolic left ventricular dysfunction (when the left side of the heart doesn’t pump blood well enough), but don’t have any symptoms of heart failure.
• Stage C In this stage, you’ve been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and are showing symptoms of the condition.
• Stage D The final stage is the most severe and typically the only treatment option is major heart surgery.

If CHF is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including:

• Poor blood flow
• Kidney damage
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention in the abdomen and limbs
• Cardiac arrest

You can lessen your risk of developing CHF with the following lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet low in salt and saturated fat
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

If you are experiencing any congestive heart failure symptoms, or other conditions that can lead to CHF, consider scheduling a MinuteClinic visit. Our monitoring services can help you better manage your condition and keep your symptoms under control.