Functional limitation and disability associated with congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common and increasing problem among older persons. Symptoms associated with CHF include edema, fatigue, dyspnea, limited exercise tolerance, and significant activity limitation. Using a comprehensive review of literature, this article describes the public health burden arising out of CHF in the United States. It describes CHF in terms of functional limitation and disability in the elderly following the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Research (NCMRR) disability model. The use of home based interventions (HBI) to assist people with CHF is discussed.