Understanding Heart Problems and Community Health Worker Role
Heart problems can lead to serious health issues, affecting individuals of all ages. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and dangers of heart problems, as well as how community health workers can support those at risk. Discover the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and emergency response in managing heart conditions effectively.
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Presentation Transcript
Ward-based Primary Health Care Outreach Team
Community Health Worker Training Phase 2
Lesson 8 Heart Problems
Role of the CHW Explain to household members about common heart problems Discuss with household members the importance of knowing what the risk factors are for getting a heart problem Screen and refer household members who have risk factors for heart problems to the clinic for testing Know how to and encourage household members to lower their risk for getting a heart problem, by healthy eating, exercising often, not smoking and not drinking Know the danger signs for common heart problems Make sure that household members and their families understand the importance of getting medical help if they experience any of the danger signs for a heart problem Make sure that household members and their families understand and know what to do when a heart problem is an emergency
Learning Objectives Understand what heart problems are and the dangers of heart problems Describe who is at risk of having a heart problem Explain how a person s risk of having a heart problem is lowered Discuss how heart problems are treated Understand how the CHW can support household members who are at risk of heart problems or who already have a heart problem Discuss the danger signs for a heart attack Understand what to do if someone is having a heart attack
What are heart problems? Heart does not pump blood as well as it should Blood moves more slowly through the body and less oxygen and nutrients reach the body and the brain This results in tiredness and shortness of breath People with heart problems can develop swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or stomach and can suddenly gain weight
Dangers of having a heart problem Leading cause of permanent disability among adults Major killer of not just elderly people Cause disability and death in people who still work and provide for their families
Warning signs for heart problems Putting on weight suddenly Shortness of breath when you not exercising Swelling of the feet, ankles, AND legs Waking up short of breath or needing to use more pillows to breath more easily Chest pain Faster heart beat
How are heart problems treated? Medicines Operations Lifestyle changes: Eat less salt Exercise often Stop smoking Lose weight, if overweight Do not drink alcohol
Help household members with heart problems to stay active Daily activity can help the heart get stronger Activity will: Reduce weight gain and swelling in the legs and feet Decrease stress Increases energy levels Regular activity improves a person s health
Remember Both rest and activity are important for a household member with a heart problem
Helping household members who are at risk for heart problems Help them understand the importance of taking their medicines exactly as prescribed Teach them and their families to pick up the warning signs for heart problems and to get help if the person has any of these signs Refer those who have any of the warning signs to the hospital or Community Health Centre Remind them to follow their doctor s advice on how much liquids they should drink Encourage them and their caregivers to recognise signs of depression Help them make better lifestyle choices
What is a heart attack A heart attack happens when the blood and oxygen to the heart muscle gets blocked If the blood supply is cut off, part of the heart muscle will not get oxygen and will be permanently damaged
Danger Signs for a Heart Attack checklist Heart Attack: Danger Signs Heavy pressure, tightness or crushing pain in the centre of the chest (Chest hurts or feels squeezed) Especially if the person has any of the following in addition to the chest pain: Pain or pressure in one or both arms, back, neck or jaw Feeling sweaty or breathless Feel sick or vomiting Feeling very anxious Feeling faint or lightheaded Shortness of breath Feeling very tired
What to do if someone is having a heart attack? Call for medical help immediately While waiting for the help: The person should stop all physical activity Loosen tight clothing especially around the chest area Help the person into a comfortable position Cover with a light blanket Talk to them and try to keep them calm
Remember Timing is very important The sooner a heart attack is treated, the greater the person s chance of surviving!
Important Call for help immediately if you think someone is having a stroke
Activity: Individual Exercise Gugu is visiting the Mabena household. The household is made up of Mr and Mrs Mabena, their four children, Mr Mabena s mother and uncle. Mr Mabena has lost his job and has been battling to find work. He is doing piece work when he finds it. Mrs Mabena stays at home to look after the children and her mother-in-law, who is sick. Mr Mabena s mother has diabetes and has not been taking her medicines because there is no-one to go with her to the clinic. Mr Mabena s father died a few months ago from a heart attack. Mrs Mabena tells Gugu that both she and her husband are very worried as they do not have enough money to buy healthy food. She tells Gugu that they are eating a lot more bread and fatty food and all of them are starting to put on weight. Also, Mr Mabena s uncle smokes and he has asked them to buy him cigarettes.
Activity: Working in Pairs Do the following: Role play, taking turns, that one person is having a heart attack. What should a CHW do? Using the Danger signs for a heart attack checklist, discuss in groups the danger signs for a heart attack
