Everyone jokes about this right? It is when your mid-section (belly) laps over your belt or waistband. Never heard of it? Well, what about bendopnea? Bendopnea is shortness of breath experienced within 30 seconds of bending over at the waist, for example, when tying shoes. Joking aside, did you know that patients with decompensated heart failure who have bendopnea, are at increased risk for all-cause mortality within 2 years?

Bendopnea occurs when the heart can’t compensate for fluid shifts and pressure placed on the abdomen when you bend over. Of course, lung and respiratory conditions can also be related to symptoms of bendopnea including sleep apnea! And, in fairness, it can also occur in people who have large abdomens and don’t have heart failure.

Think about the number of residents in your center who may have a diagnosis of heart failure? Are your staff aware of symptoms that could trigger further assessment for a change in condition? Other symptoms of heart failure include orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying down), peripheral edema (swelling in the extremities), syncope (passing out with loss of consciousness), etc. Because bendopnea is a sign of decompensating illness and potential complications, it is important to train your staff on identifying changes in condition and contacting the physician with any change in respiratory status. Stay well and stay informed!