Heart failure
“Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome that can occur at rest or with effort and is characterised by objective evidence of an underlying structural abnormality or cardiac dysfunction that impairs the ability of the ventricle to fill with or eject blood.” (Heart Foundation)
The right exercise treatment is important for the management of heart failure. It improves functional exercise capacity, increases peripheral muscle strength and increases independence and function. It can also decrease breathlessness and reverses the peripheral adaptations that occur by improving aerobic capacity. If you have heart failure you may become deconditioned because you are not as active and exercise will reverse some of the deconditioning. Exercise will also improve mood and improve sleep quality which is important to those who often suffer from anxiety and depression.
Heart failure education and self-management program
About the program:
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Education based program allowing for self-management of condition.
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The Heart Failure Education and Self-management Program involve team coordinated care including your GP/specialist, Clinical Pharmacist, Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist.
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Initial assessment is completed by the Exercise Physiologist (EP).
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Group based education sessions with the EP, Dietitian and Clinical Pharmacist.
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Small groups of 6-10 people with each session lasting for 60 minutes.
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Individual follow-ups sessions and exercise maintenance programs may also be available after program completion.
Some of the topics covered are:
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Correct use of medication
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Nutrition/ healthy eating
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Understanding the physiology of your condition
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Exercise for Heart Failure
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Daily weighing and monitoring fluid
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Importance of quitting smoking
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Importance of limiting alcohol
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When not to exercise
What you need to do to start the program:
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Speak to your local GP to see if you are eligible for the Heart Failure Education and Self-management Program.
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Arrange to see the Exercise Physiologist for your initial assessment.
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Await details for the program
