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Mercy Heart & Vascular Institute offers a comprehensive program to assist those who have the condition known as congestive heart failure, which simply means that your heart has been weakened. CHAMP® (Congestive Heart Active Management Program) involves you in your recovery. Through regular phone interaction and educational classes, CHAMP® will help you and your family members better understand and manage this condition that can cause shortness of breath and reduced stamina.
What do you mean by regular phone interaction? After you leave the hospital, and with your doctor's approval, CHAMP® team members call you at home to check on how you feel, counsel you on diet and fluid limitations, check on your weight and ask how you are managing your medications. After the early weeks, the calls become less frequent depending on your individual needs as you learn more about managing your heart failure at home. CHAMP® team members also monitor your symptoms or complications. Working with your doctor - who continues to be in charge of your care - team members provide you with recommendations on diet changes, medicine modifications or if you need an office visit.
What class is offered? A FREE educational class (only in Sacramento) is open to all patients and their families or support people to help better understand and manage heart failure. Topics include:
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Introduction to congestive heart failure - Explains congestive heart failure and focuses on symptoms, tests, procedures and medications
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Nutrition and meal planning - This class is taught by a registered dietitian who covers the basics of a low-salt diet. You will learn about basic nutrition principles, how to cut fat in your diet and what foods you can substitute for some of your favorites
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Medications - Taught by a pharmacist who will explain and answer questions about your medications. You will learn about their effects, side effects and interactions
How will I benefit from CHAMP®? CHAMP® provides you with a vital link to the medical world after you leave the hospital. It gives you and your family the knowledge and support necessary to help you maintain the highest quality of life possible. CHAMP® will also help reduce the risk of you being re-admitted to the hospital. You are encouraged also to take an active role in your care by calling the CHAMP® office at (916) 564-2880 or 866-775-7791 if you have any change in symptoms, weight gain or have questions or concerns.
Call (916) 564-2880 or 866-775-7791 for more information about CHAMP®.
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Who makes up the CHAMP® team?
- Cardiologists
- Primary Care Physicians
- Registered Nurses
- Exercise Physiologists
- Pharmacists
- Dietitians
- Nutritionists
- Other healthcare professionals
How do I get into the program? With your physician's approval or referral, you can qualify for the program.
Download easy-to-read information about Mercy Heart & Vascular Institute's CHAMP® program.
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