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.