Kate Glasgow, a 76-year-old patient with a history of CHF, is in the office today for a checkup. She does not understand why she must stop using salt and start weighing herself regularly at home. What can Adam do to help this patient understand the importance of her treatment regimen?

 

Once a patient has been diagnosed with CHF congestive heart failure, the patient must change their lifestyle and personal habits. How would you explain what CHF is to the patient? How would you make him/her understand the dangers of excess salt? How would you explain the importance of regularly weighing themselves and what weight changes should warrant a call to their care provider?