Manage Heart Failure | UNC Lenoir Health Care

Heart failure, sometimes known as congestive heart failure, occurs when your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Lifestyle changes such as exercising, reducing sodium in your diet, managing stress and losing weight can improve your quality of life.

One way to prevent heart failure is to prevent and control conditions that cause heart failure, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity. More

Heart Health Starts With YOU

6 Small Steps To Help Self Manage Heart Failure

Check Your Weight Daily

Daily weight is key to keeping an eye on your symptoms. If you gain 3 lbs. in one day or 5 lbs. in one week you should report this to your doctor.

Limit Fluid & Salt Intake

Restrict the salt (sodium) in your diet to 2000mg/2gm a day. Read food labels for sodium amounts per serving. Fluid intake should not exceed 1.5 – 2 liters.

Take Your Medications

Be sure to take your heart failure medication every day according to the label. Don’t change or stop any medication without discussing with your doctor.

Balance Activity & Rest

People with heart failure feel better when they are active. Start by walking and build your endurance, but make sure to balance exercise with rest.

Monitor Symptoms

Make sure you know all the symptoms of heart failure and how to recognize when something is wrong. Click here to learn more.

Don't Wait To Report

It is important to recognize symptoms of heart failure and report them right away. Waiting will make the symptoms harder to treat, don’t wait call your doctor.

The Heart Of The Matter

Join our one hour group conversation facilitated by heart care professionals who will have you learning and enjoying your session as you explore myths, facts, and care related to heart failure.

Heart Of The Matter

McCain Heart Center