POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital is offering a new program to care for Congestive Heart Failure patients.

Also referred to as CHF, the condition can be challenging to manage, as many patients require multiple hospital stays each year.

Nurses at Canton-Potsdam Hospital observed successful programs at healthcare facilities in Vermont and Tennessee and have recently implemented a home monitoring and cardiac rehabilitation program designed to improve the quality of life for patients living with the disease.

“Personal education and instruction on how to appropriately self monitor symptoms and signs are an integral part of the program,” said TeriAnn Crump, RN. “Upon discharge from Canton-Potsdam Hospital, CHF patients will receive follow-up calls from specially trained nurses who will continually monitor his/her status. The goal is to discover problems early and provide expedited access to medical care, which will help avoid serious exacerbations of CHF,” said Crump.

Congestive heart failure is one of the leading readmissions and diagnoses in St. Lawrence County. In an effort to decrease instances and increase the health of the community, patients require ongoing support and guidance, C-PH reports.

CHF patients have a personal follow-up plan that is designed to help reduce CHF patients' anxieties over managing their health at home. Patients are reassured by the fact that a nurse will be calling to confirm medications and management activities, and the patient is encouraged to call with questions or concerns at any time.

As part of the hospital’s cardiology services, the Congestive Heart Failure Continued Care Program is supported by board certified cardiologists Dr. Anthony Tramontano and Dr. Alexandru Stoian, and board certified internal medicine physician Dr. Robert Rogers.

In addition, cardio rehabilitation specialists, nurses, and case workers have been trained on continued care and work collaboratively with medical providers and patients to ensure follow-up and education are an integral part of continued care.

Individuals seeking more information about the program should contact the Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Cardiology Department at 261-5920, Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit the website at cphospital.org for a complete list of available services.