It is no secret that India has been struggling with heart conditions for quite some time now. With time, the average age of heart patients is decreasing, increasing the need for maintaining heart health.

Many heart conditions are chronic and require prolonged attention. A patient may also require home care nursing for the rest of their life. Depending on the severity of the condition, a patient should receive holistic care at home. Most chronic heart conditions can be tackled without making frequent visits to the hospital. Home nursing services help patients get better and fight cardiovascular conditions from the comfort of their homes.

However, home nursing is only effective if done the right way. Heart conditions are often sensitive, even if you do not see overt symptoms. Even a seemingly small ignorance can have life-threatening implications. Irrespective of what the patient’s condition is, home care nursing requires precision and care. This allows healthcare professionals to monitor minute details and prevent risk factors from worsening their conditions.

In the case of heart conditions, home care nursing broadly revolves around the patients’ diet, exercise routine, and medication. Being mindful of these aspects helps you take comprehensive care of a heart patient.

Let us have a look at a few important nursing tips for patients with heart conditions:

Feed The Patient Low-Calorie Diet

Home care nurses focus a lot on their patients’ diets. People suffering from any heart condition should consume a low-calorie diet to reduce the risks of diseases. High-calorie food increases the build-up of plaque in the arteries, restricting seamless blood flow. If you are looking after a patient with a heart condition, be mindful of the calories they consume every day.

Track Sodium Intake

High sodium intake leads to fluid retention, ultimately increasing an individual’s blood pressure. Especially if a patient is suffering from hypertension, it is advisable to monitor their sodium intake, keeping them away from high-salt foods.

Keep The Patient Away From Refined Sugar

While you manage the patient’s diet at home, ensure that they stay away from refined sugar and sweet food items like chocolates and ice cream. While a few of these foods can be eaten in moderation, excessive consumption will only worsen the patient’s heart condition.

Switch To Healthier Dairy Products

It is advisable to change the dairy products your patient consumes if needed. It is better to choose dairy products with low saturated fat. Ask the patient to buy low-fat milk, cheese, and other products to keep their heart healthy.

Keep The Patient Hydrated

As nominal as it may sound, it is important for heart patients to stay hydrated. Having enough water in their system helps your patient’s heart pump blood seamlessly. When the heart does not exert more pressure than needed, the patient’s cardiovascular health stays sound. Advise them to have at least three liters of water every day while taking other precautions as a heart patient.

Make Them Exercise Every Day

Regular exercise has a significant impact on your patient’s heart health. When you exercise, your heart’s oxygen utilization improves, enhancing blood circulation. Along with a healthy heart, daily exercise will have a positive impact on your patient’s musculoskeletal health, too.

Create An Age-specific Exercise Routine

The kind of exercise a patient should indulge in depends on their weight and heart condition. Keeping these factors in mind, help your patient create a suitable exercise routine. Ensure that strenuous exercise does not put additional pressure on their heart. In the case of heart health, even low-effort exercise can have a positive impact on your patient.

Be Ready To Tackle Emergencies

If your patient suffers from a heart condition, they may experience sudden symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and more. Your home care nursing services should tackle such emergencies and prepare you for the same.

Stay In Touch With The Doctor

While you offer your nursing care to your patient, it is important to stay in touch with the doctor they consult. Keep the healthcare professional updated about their patient’s health and act as a medium of communication between the two parties. Many professionals offer doctor on call services to connect virtually with their patients. If needed, have your patient consult the doctor and take note of what the doctor says.

Track Pulse Rate

Determine the ideal pulse rate (resting and otherwise) of your patient according to their weight, age, and height. Track the patient’s pulse regularly to ensure a normal heart rate. Ask them to rest and give them the right medication when you notice the pulse rate to be abnormally high or low.

Monitor Your Patient’s Medication Supplies

Comprehensive home nursing services involve taking a patient’s medication supplies. Know the medicines your patient needs and ensure that they have them stocked in advance. You wouldn’t want to panic when your patient cannot find their medicines during an emergency.

Review All Medicines With The Doctor

It is important to stay up-to-date with the medicines to keep your patient healthy. Review all the medicines your patient takes with the doctor and update the stock if needed. Know the effect of every medicine and its dosage to take better care of the patient.

Remind The Patient About Their Medicines

Especially if you are nursing an older patient, it is important to remind them to take their medicines on time. Many caregivers prepare a schedule for their patients about their medicines.

Keep Them Happy

Finally, it is important to keep your patient joyful. Stress and anxiety will only hamper your patient’s heart health. Keep them company, be a good listener, and ensure that nothing troubles them.

The Final Word

These were a few important home nursing tips to care for patients suffering from heart conditions. Cardiovascular diseases can have serious implications if taken lightly. These tips are not just for nurses. They apply to anyone taking care of a heart patient, including their family members. Be there with the patient, stay prepared to tackle emergencies, and keep track of the patient’s heart health to ensure their well-being.