Heart Failure Top 10 Rules for Life
1
Weigh daily. Weight gain can be a sign
that you are retaining fluid even if you have no
other symptoms. Weigh yourself every day at the
same time, wearing the same amount of clothing.
Weigh after using the bathroom but before you
eat or drink.
22 Take your medicine. You must take
your medicine every day. Be sure to take it exactly
as prescribed. Skipping doses or not refilling a
prescription could cause serious problems. Do not
stop taking your medicine without talking to your
doctor. Keep a current list of your medicines with
you, including all non-prescription medicines and
herbals. Do not take medicines you can buy over
the counter unless your doctor approves.
3 Limit your sodium and fluids.
Too much sodium could cause swelling and could
make it harder for you to breathe.
4 Exercise daily. Establish an exercise
schedule. A little movement every day helps to
strengthen your heart. Walking is safe and healthy.
Follow your doctor’s instructions about exercise
and activity. Don’t overdo. Listen to your body to
learn to slow down or stop and rest.
5 Report early warning signs.
Call your doctor any time you notice a change in
your body. Be especially aware of these signs:
• difficulty breathing during normal activities,
sleep, or rest
• gaining or losing 5 pounds in 3 days
• swelling in your feet
• coughing more than usual
• stomach pain
• feeling more tired than usual
6 Stop smoking or using tobacco
products and avoid drinking
alcohol. Tobacco is the single most dangerous
thing you can do to your body. Nicotine robs the
heart of oxygen and constricts the blood vessels.
This raises your heart rate and blood pressure. Ask
your doctor for help.
7 Keep your doctor’s appointments.
Regular doctor’s visits are very important to help
you manage your symptoms and prevent going
back to the hospital.
8 Maintain a healthy body weight.
Ask your doctor or dietitian what weight is right
for you. Extra body weight makes your heart work
harder. Exercise and a healthy diet will help you
keep an ideal body weight.
9 Limit stress. When you are anxious or
upset, your heart beats faster and you breathe
more heavily. Find ways to reduce stress. Get
some execise, deep breathe, read a book, laugh
with someone, watch a good movie, or pray.
10 Get annual immunizations.
Protect yourself from the flu and pneumonia.
Getting sick with a cold, flu, or other infections
adds to the extra work your heart already has to
do. This means you can get much sicker than you
normally would, and it could take longer for you
to get better.
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-0070 06/09