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1. See your doctor and health care team regularly. Inform your doctor or health
care team of any changes in how you feel.
2. Take your medications exactly as ordered. Certain medications are prescribed
to make the heart muscle stronger, regulate heart rate and help get rid of excess
fluid. We cannot stress enough the importance of taking your medicine as prescribed
by your doctor. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any
non-prescription drugs.
3. Always weigh yourself every morning at about the same time. Use the same
scale and wear the same amount of clothing. Go to the bathroom before you weigh.
Record your weight and compare today’s weight to yesterday.
If you have a weight gain of 3 pounds in 24 hours, circle that weight. The next
morning, if you have not lost the 3 pounds, call your doctor. If you gain 1 pound
every day for 3 days, call your doctor.
Perform this daily self-assessment for edema:
- Are your rings tighter than usual?
- Do your ankles, knuckles, knees or wrists feel tight, swollen and stiff?
- Are your shoes tight?
- Are your clothes tighter than usual?
- Does your face look puffy in the mirror?
4. Follow a low-sodium (low-salt) diet. Too much sodium in your diet causes the
body to retain fluid. Your heart has to work harder to circulate this added fluid.
Ask your doctor how much sodium you can have. As a rule, do not salt your food or
add salt to cooking. Avoid foods that are high in sodium and learn how to read the
sodium content on food labels. 2,000 mg/day of sodium is recommended.
5. If swelling of your feet and legs is a problem, prop them up above the level of
your heart.
Your doctor may suggest that you wear support hose. Be sure they fit properly.
Don’t cross your legs or ankles because this will slow blood flow to your legs
and feet. It also puts pressure on your leg veins and slows blood return to
your heart.
6. Keep your blood pressure under control. Your heart has to work harder if
your blood pressure is high. Desirable blood pressure is 120/80 or less. Tell
your doctor if your blood pressure is consistently greater than 140/90.
7. Exercise regularly Most people with heart failure will benefit from a regular
exercise program. It will help strengthen your heart and improve your energy level.
Talk with your doctor about an exercise plan for you.
8. Plan and pace your activities. A little bit of activity every day can help you
feel better. Pace yourself, stop and rest if you feel tired or short of breath.
If a certain task or activity makes you tired, return to it later when you feel
better. You’ll probably have good and bad days, so know your limits and don’t push
yourself. Talk to your doctor about activities you can do and ones that you should avoid.
9. Learn to conserve your energy. For example, use a shower stool when bathing or
showering. Alternate light and heavy tasks when possible. As needed, make arrangements
at work to shorten your workday or set aside daily rest periods.
10. Avoid extreme temperatures. Stay in a comfortable environment. Rest during the
hottest part of the day. Stay where there is a fan or air conditioner. In cold
weather, dress warmly. When outside, wrap a scarf over your nose and mouth to warm
the air you breathe.
11. Learn to manage stress. Managing stress in a positive way will help you manage
and live with heart failure.
12. Do not smoke or use other forms of tobacco. Nicotine in tobacco robs your heart, organs and
tissues of vital oxygen carried in the blood. It also makes your heart beat faster and increases
your blood pressure.
13. Avoid the use of alcohol. It can further weaken the heart. It is not safe to use alcohol
with certain medicines. Check with your doctor first.
14. Follow a sensible diet that offers the best balance of nutrients for your body’s needs. We
recommend a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium diet.
15. Lose weight. Being overweight causes your heart to work harder. Talk with your doctor about
a weight-loss program.
16. It is recommended that you receive the influenza (flu) and pneumonia vaccines. Talk with
your doctor about getting these vaccinations.
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Heart Failure Management