Palliative Support for Congestive Heart Failure with Medical Cannabis
Congestive Heart Failure, also known simply as Heart Failure, means the heart is unable to pump blood around the body, usually because it has become too weak or too stiff. It is a long-term, serious condition that often worsens over time.
Eventually, the condition may reach a point where it is very severe, and it is unlikely the person will live for much longer. At this stage, palliative care will likely be implemented.
What are the symptoms?
A number of symptoms may be associated with heart failure, however, the main symptoms are:
- Breathlessness after activity or at rest
- Feeing tired for a large part of the day and finding exercise exhausting
- Swelling of the ankles and legs
Some patients may also experience other symptoms, such as a persistent cough, a fast heart rate, or dizziness. The symptoms of congestive heart failure may develop suddenly or gradually over weeks or months.
Cause and treatment
Heart failure can be caused by a number of problems – often when they affect the heart at the same time. Common causes associated with heart failure include:
- Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) – where arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked with fatty substances. This may also cause angina or a heart attack
- High blood pressure – may put extra strain on the heart, which over time may lead to heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy – the name given to conditions that affect the heart muscle
- Heart rhythm problems – such as atrial fibrillation
- Damage or other problems with the heart valves
- Congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal function of the heart
Other factors which may also lead to heart failure include anaemia, over consumption of alcohol, an overactive thyroid or high pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Treatments for congestive heart failure commonly focus on managing the symptoms for as long as possible and slowing down the progression of the condition. Treatments will usually be needed for life and can include:
- Lifestyle changes – including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stopping smoking
- Medicines – a range of medicines may be effective at treating the cause and symptoms of heart failure
- Devices implanted in the chest to help control your heart rhythm
- Surgery – such as a bypass operation or heart transplant
It can be possible to cure congestive heart failure when the cause is treatable. For example, if your heart valves are damaged, replacing or repairing them may cure the condition.
Medical Cannabis and Congestive Heart Failure
Medical cannabis has been found to be beneficial for a number of symptoms associated with terminal conditions, including congestive heart failure. There is growing evidence that medical cannabis can also be useful for the management of Chronic Pain – a symptom associated with many terminal conditions.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine the correct therapy for each patient. In some cases, medical cannabis may be useful in cases of palliative care where traditional treatments have failed to offer relief.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help manage symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF)?
While medical cannabis is not a treatment for heartfailure itself, it may support symptom relief in palliative care-helping toease anxiety, pain, insomnia, and appetite loss. At Cantourage Clinic, weexplore cannabis-based options to improve comfort and quality of life forpatients with advanced CHF.
Is medical cannabis legally available for palliative heart failure care in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, specialist doctors can legallyprescribe medical cannabis for palliative care when conventional treatments areinsufficient. Cantourage Clinic provides legal, clinically supervised accessfor patients with advanced heart failure and related symptoms.
What symptoms of congestive heart failure might benefit from cannabis-based treatment?
Cannabis-based therapies may help manage secondarysymptoms such as anxiety, breathlessness-related distress, poor sleep, andappetite decline. Our clinicians tailor treatment plans using CBD-dominant orbalanced THC:CBD formulations to promote calm and symptom relief withoutadverse cardiovascular effects.
How can I access medical cannabis for CHF symptom support at Cantourage Clinic?
Begin with a consultation. Our doctors will reviewyour medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. If appropriate,we’ll create a personalised cannabis-based plan and provide full supportthroughout your care, in collaboration with your existing healthcare providers.