According to the National Institute on Aging, congestive heart failure, also called heart failure, is the number one reason people over the age of 65 are hospitalized. It is a condition whereby the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body. In congestive heart failure, there is accumulation of fluid in the lungs and dependent areas of the body--areas closer to the ground or the force of gravity--like the legs. Although heart failure can occur at any age, it is most common among elderly individuals who are 65 years or older.
Fatigue
In "Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging," author Priscilla Ebersole explains that fatigue is a common symptom of heart failure in the elderly. Seniors who suffer from heart failure may get tired easily after performing simple everyday tasks. This may be due to inadequate oxygen supply to cells in the body. In heart failure, there is low blood supply to the cells, which means oxygen supply is low as well. When the body is exerted and more oxygen is required, the result is fatigue because the failing heart cannot supply the needed oxygen.
Orthopnea
Orthopnea refers to a situation whereby a person is unable to lie flat because he ends up experiencing shortness of breath. Orthopnea is a symptom of heart failure in seniors. It occurs as a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs due to a weak left ventricle. The left ventricle receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, which it should then pump out to the body through the aorta. A weak left ventricle is unable to pump adequate amounts of blood to the aorta. Due to this, the blood flows back to the lungs, and consequently, they become congested with fluid. Seniors can obtain relief from this particular symptom by sitting up, or by elevating the head of their bed when they sleep. Alternatively, they can sleep with multiple pillows to make sure their heads are elevated.
Swelling
Author Meredith Wallace in "Essentials of Gerontological Nursing" states that swelling is a common finding in congestive heart failure. It occurs as a result of a weakened right ventricle and is a symptom of congestive heart failure in seniors. When blood supplied to the right ventricle fails to be transported to the lungs because the right ventricle is weak, the blood backs up into the rest of the body. This causes swelling or accumulation of fluid in the dependent parts of the body such as the legs and ankles.
Confusion
Confusion may occur in seniors who have congestive heart failure. This is not a typical symptom of the condition. The Heart Rhythm Society suggests that inadequate blood supply to the brain, or abnormal amounts of certain substances in the blood, like sodium, may be the cause of confusion in this condition.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Heart failure
- "Essentials of Gerontological Nursing"; Meredith Wallace; 2007
- "Introductory Gerontological Nursing"; Sally S. Roach; 2000
- "Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging"; Priscilla Ebersole; 2005
- Heart Rhythm Society: Heart Failure
