About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Signs of Impending Death from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Introduction
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a progressive condition that worsens over time, and in its final stages, it leads to end-stage heart failure. Recognizing the signs of impending death is crucial for both patients and their loved ones to ensure appropriate end-of-life care and comfort measures.
Key Signs of Impending Death in CHF
1. Severe Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)
- Worsens even at rest
- Requires continuous oxygen support
- Increased respiratory rate (tachypnea)
2. Profound Fatigue and Weakness
- Extreme tiredness, inability to perform basic activities
- Sleeping most of the time due to low energy
3. Severe Fluid Retention and Swelling (Edema)
- Swelling in legs, abdomen, and lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Progressive weight gain due to fluid overload
4. Hypotension and Weak Pulse
- Critically low blood pressure
- Cool, mottled skin due to reduced circulation
5. Mental Confusion and Cognitive Decline
- Difficulty concentrating, confusion, or hallucinations
- Increased drowsiness and reduced alertness
6. Irregular or Weak Heartbeat (Arrhythmias)
- Life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia
- Periods of asystole (absence of heartbeat) in the final hours
7. Loss of Appetite and Difficulty Swallowing
- Reduced food and fluid intake
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea
8. Decreased Urine Output (Oliguria or Anuria)
- Declining kidney function due to poor circulation
- Dark-colored or absent urine output
End-of-Life Care in CHF
- Palliative care focuses on symptom control and comfort.
- Hospice care ensures dignity, pain management, and emotional support.
- Discussions on advanced care planning, such as Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders, should be addressed early.
Recognizing these signs allows caregivers to provide appropriate support, ensuring a peaceful transition for the patient.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure Management
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
- https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.