For Immediate Release: January 15, 2004

For more information contact:
Paul Lata
Clinical Pharmacist
715-735-4200, ext. 3274
plata@bamc.org

(Marinette, Wis.) -Patients suffering from congestive heart failure can now help manage their disease through Bay Area Medical Center's free congestive heart failure (CHF) classes. BAMC is offering the classes to better educate its patients on identifying signs and symptoms of the disease, and how to better manage their condition to prevent hospitalization. The classes are in addition to cardiac rehabilitation services and the newly opened cardiac catheterization lab, making heart care at BAMC more comprehensive.

" Patient re-admissions [for CHF] to hospitals is a huge nation-wide
problem," said Paul Lata, clinical pharmacist and CHF educator. According to Lata, each year it causes over three million hospitalizations nationwide resulting in a $20 billion economic burden. Lata notes that approximately five million people in the U.S. suffer from congestive heart failure and 400,000 to 700,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

" We see patients that could have avoided hospital admission had other steps been taken. We feel the congestive heart failure classes are a way to help people help themselves," said Lata.

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot adequately pump the blood forward, and blood in the circulatory system begins to back up. The kidneys, in an attempt to compensate for this heart failure, retain salt and water and increase the blood volume. This extra fluid adds to the congestion inside the body.

Symptoms of congestive heart failure include sudden weight gain due to accumulation of fluid to feet, ankles and legs; shortness of breath; or a dry, hacking cough, especially when lying down. Diet, lifestyle changes, treatment and rehabilitation are important to control heart failure and to prevent complications, hospitalization or death.

At BAMC's congestive heart failure class, patients will learn more about the disease from a dietician, pharmacist and nurse educator. Proper use of medications and dietary guidelines will be discussed, along with warning signs that tell patients when they should call their physician.

Patients will also set lifestyle and dietary goals. Follow-up calls will be
made after two weeks to check patient's progress and the status of their goals. The goals will also be forwarded on to the patient's physician to encourage discussion of the disease at their next appointment.

" I think most people can learn a lot from this class," said Lata. "We are trying to help people be educated about their disease so they can maintain their quality of life, avoid hospital admission, and live longer."
Twenty-five people attended BAMC's first class in November, and twelve more classes are scheduled through December of 2004. The next class will be held Friday, February 6, from 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Superior Room at Bay Area Medical Center. The class is only for those suffering from congestive heart failure and family members who aid in managing the disease. To schedule for the class, call BAMC at 715-735-4200, extension 4439.