Risk and Triggers for Exacerbation of Congestive Heart Failure

Background Congestive heart failure exacerbations can be triggered by a variety of factors, many of which are preventable. Understanding these risks is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies .Aim: To assess risk and triggers for exacerbation of congestive heart failure. Research design: A descriptive research design was utilized in the study. Setting: Emergency Heart Unit and cardiovascular medicine department at Assiut University Heart Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 67 adult patients diagnosed with heart failure were included. Tools: Three tools were used to collect data Tool I: Congestive Heart Failure Patient Assessment sheet, Tool II: Triggers for exacerbation of congestive heart failure & Tool III: Ottawa Heart Failure Risk Score. Results: (65.7 %) of the studied patients their age ranged between 50 to less 65yrs. (50.7%) of studied patients had left side heart failure & (46.3%) their total length of stay ranged from 5 to 10 days & (35.8%) of the studied patients had high risk for exacerbation. Regarding triggers (70.1%) were non-complied with their medications, (50.7%) had high sodium intake & (52.2%) of them had worsening in renal function. Conclusion: The main triggers for exacerbation of congestive heart failure were medication non-compliance, worsening in renal function, high sodium intake, electrolyte imbalances, respiratory infection and cardiac arrhythmia. Recommendation: It is important to emphasize on the role of nurse to educate patients with heart failure about triggers for exacerbation of congestive heart failure to prevent congestive heart failure deterioration. Key words: Congestive heart failure, Exacerbation, Triggers.