Advanced Heart Failure
Plan periods of rest
Be sure to get plenty of rest. You may need to
plan at least one rest period every day. When you
rest, keep your feet up to keep the swelling down.
Also make sure to rest during any non-work
activities.
Conserve your energy
Using less energy with daily tasks can help you
have more energy to do more during the day. You
may need to cut down on some of your activities.
Use energy-saving devices and techniques. Tell
your doctor if you don’t have enough energy to
bathe and dress, fix meals for yourself and do a
little housework.
Energy-conserving tips
 Don’t think you have to do things the same
way you’ve always done them. Don’t think
you have to do as much as you have always
done.
 Plan your chores, exercise and recreation
ahead of time. Do not schedule too many
things in one day. Do the things that take more
energy when you are feeling your best.
 If necessary, rest before and after activities.
 If you become tired during an activity, stop
and rest. You may need to finish it on another
day or when you feel less tired.
 Do not plan activities right after a meal.
 Get a good night’s sleep. Be careful not to nap
too much during the day or you might not be
able to sleep at night.
 Ask for help. Divide the tasks among family
and friends.
 If needed, use a walker, shower chair, handheld shower head, bedside commode, or longhandled tools for dressing, such as a dressing
stick, shoe horn or sock donner.
 Wear clothes that have zippers and buttons in
the front so you don’t have to reach behind
you.
 Sit down to shave, dry your hair, and anything
else you can while you dress.
 If your doctor says it’s ok, you may climb
steps. You may need to rest part of the way if
you become tired. Think ahead to prevent
climbing up and down stairs many times
during the day.
 Do not push, pull or lift anything over 10
pounds that make you strain.
 For more energy-saving tips, talk to your
doctor about cardiac rehab.
This is for education only. Ask your own doctor any questions you have about your health. © 2008 by Vanderbilt University.
All rights reserved. Vanderbilt Medical Center Patient & Family Centered Care HC-0020 06/09