Chronic Heart Failure

Chronic heart failure is when the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, and the body cannot get the oxygen it needs. This can make you:

• Feel short of breath
• Feel very tired
• Have swollen legs
• Have a fast heartbeat
• Cardiac rehab

Risk Factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High stress levels
• Overactive thyroid
• Smoking
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Being obese or overweight
• Physical inactivity

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swollen legs
• Rapid heartbeat

Testing

• Blood pressure screenings
• EKG
• Echocardiogram
• Exercise stress test
• MUGA scan
• Cardiac catheterization

Treatments may include:

• Eating less salt
• Drinking less fluids
• Taking medications as prescribed
• In some cases, having a defibrillator or pacemaker implanted
• Cardiac rehab

Managing CHF

• Monitor your blood pressure
• Take any heart medications as prescribed
• Get to a healthy weight
• Move your body and get enough sleep
• Eat a heart healthy diet
• Manage stress
• Quit smoking
• Avoid alcohol

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. The effects begin soon after you stop smoking, though they are impacted by how long you have been a smoker before quitting.

The effects of quitting smoking include:

• Reduced heart rate
• Improved blood flow to your heart
• Lower risk of heart attack
• Lower risk of coronary heart disease

TRICARE East offers a free program called Commit to Quit, that provides free tobacco and vaping quit. You can reach a nicotine cessation specialist at 877-414-9949 or visit Commit to Quit | TRICARE for more information.

TRICARE Coverage

TRICARE covers medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. treatments and services. To be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. services including cardiovascular testing, treatment, and more for eligible beneficiaries. Health Care | TRICARE

Support and Webinars

CHF is part of our disease management program for eligible adults. We help TRICARE East beneficiaries improve their health through a whole-person care approach. If you want to set health goals and improve your overall well-being, our skilled staff are ready to help. You or your doctor can call us with questions or to join the program at 800-881-9227.

We hold webinars to help you understand CHF and other conditions which can lead to better treatment and positive changes.

View Our Webinars and OnDemand topics 

Resources

Living With DASH Eating Plan

Beneficiary Care Management Resource Guide

Community Resource Directory - Humana Community Navigator by findhelp - Search and Connect to Social Care