Mike is admitted as an inpatient for congestive heart failure (CHF), a form of cardiomyopathy that causes damage to the circulatory system. His condition is very severe due to complications from hypertension and high cholesterol, causing him to remain hospitalized for 10 days while his health care team works to manage his condition. Using a combination of medication, exercise and diet, the goal is to decrease the fluid in his lungs and around his heart, which will relieve his symptoms.

If these treatment options do not work, surgery could be the only option. In addition, Mike could begin to suffer from other conditions associated with CHF, such as kidney disease, heart valve problems, liver damage, heart attack and/or stroke.

Additional information is added to Mike’s Inpatient EHR.

1. Internet Research: What consequences (complications) could Mike experience if he does not make any modifications to his lifestyle – changing his diet and beginning an exercise program – and does not treat his congestive heart failure?