Living with congestive heart failure can be unnerving. Any sign of fatigue, nausea or shortness of breath can cause a CHF sufferer to fear the worst—a reaction that exacerbates the condition, often sending a patient to the nearest emergency department.

CHF is common among seniors and Grove City Medical Center’s Home Health Services nurses provide care for many patients with it. “Our goal is to keep our patients at home and out of the hospital as much as possible,” said Karen Greggs, RN, Director of Home Health Services, “and CHF presents a challenge because symptoms can come on quickly and stealthily.” Up until now, the most effective way to help patients with CHF manage their disease has been frequent nursing visits to monitor their blood pressure and weight. Any sudden weight gain signals retention of fluid around the heart, which is a warning sign, and can be quickly remedied by adjusting medication.

With the assistance of a new electronic in-home monitoring system, patients can take a more active role in the management of their CHF and nurses can monitor their vital signs from the hospital. The LifeLink Monitoring system, according to Greggs, “is really quite amazing.”

Ninety-year old Helen DeAngelo’s CHF has sent her to Grove City Medical Center a number of times, so when her nurse, Martha Brooks, RN, suggested she trial a LifeLine Monitor in her home, she was eager to give it a try.

The installation of the system, which is comprised of a scale, a blood pressure cuff and a transmitter, took only minutes to complete. Brooks spent an additional 15 minutes teaching DeAngelo how to use the blood pressure cuff and how to weigh herself on the scale. Once she’s completed these two tasks, she presses a button on the transmitter that sends the information to LifeLink. Soon after, DeAngelo receives a phone call from LifeLink, asking her a series of questions regarding the status of her health, each of which she answers by pressing the keys on her home telephone. DeAngelo’s health information is processed and then uploaded to a secure website, where nurses can access and review it daily.

Once a week, LifeLink generates a report that is sent to DeAngelo’s primary care physician for him to review at his convenience, prior to her office visit.

The system provides the most benefits for patients with CHF, as well as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, all of which require regular ongoing monitoring for the most effective management. Good candidates need only be able to follow simple instructions. Grove City Medical Center does not charge patients for this service; it is a benefit of their relationship with the Home Health Services.

DeAngelo had no reservations about her ability to use the high tech system. “It’s not hard at all,” she said.

For more information about LifeLink Monitoring, contact Home Health Services at 724-450-7066.