About 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC. The CDC projects heart failure will cost the United States about $39.2 billion in 2010, including health care services, lost productivity, medications and treatments, like ambulatory oxygen. Heart failure is a serious problem in the U.S., and ambulatory oxygen may allow many heart patients to carry out their activities of daily living.
Anatomy
All muscles and tissues need oxygen to survive, including the heart and lungs. Oxygen is delivered through the blood, which is pumped throughout the body by the powerful muscles of a healthy human heart. Heart failure describes a condition where the heart does not have the strength to pump the blood adequately enough to serve the entire body. This disease is called chronic heart failure, or CHF.
Benefits
Oxygen therapy is beneficial for patients who are suffering from pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, stemming from heart failure. CHF reduces the body's ability to carry excess fluids away from organs and extremities. Swelling of the legs and ankles can occur, or fluids can accumulate in the lungs. Oxygen therapy delivers a higher concentration of oxygen to the lungs, enabling better oxygenation of the blood.
Oxygen Therapy
During pulmonary edema due to CHF, oxygen is delivered to a hospital patient through a mask strapped to the face with an elastic band, connected to flexible tubing, which is attached to the hospital building's large oxygen system through a hole in the wall. This patient is in very serious condition and is on bed rest.
Ambulatory Oxygen
The physician may request the patient begin walking around, or ambulating, once the patient has begun recovering from pulmonary edema. Exertion demands oxygen, and ambulatory oxygen setup allows the patient to receive this extra oxygen while walking.
Equipment
Portable oxygen units are available for home use. Equipment for ambulatory oxygen consists of an oxygen tank, usually on a cart to make it easier to push around, tubing and a mask that fits over the patient's mouth and nose. Patients may use a nasal cannula instead of a mask. A cannula is a small piece of plastic that directs the oxygen flow directly into each nostril.
Home Use
A doctor must prescribe oxygen because it is a medicine. A medical home equipment supplier can deliver oxygen and supplies to a patient's home. Oxygen use is considered safe, but it does pose a fire hazard. Nasal cannulas and tubing should be replaced on a regular basis.
