Understanding Heart Failure

Understanding Heart Failure | Nutritional Assessment | Medication Tips | Advanced Directives and DNRs | Controlling Heart Failure
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What is heart failure?
Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively. This does not mean that the heart stops working completely, but it means the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood in the amounts and where it is needed. Heart failure can result from high blood pressure, previous heart attacks, valve disease, or other cardiovascular problems.

What you can do:

• Follow your doctor's advice
• Take medications as prescribed
• Maintain a healthy low-salt, low-fat diet
• Exercise as instructed by your doctor
• Weigh yourself daily and complete your symptom log
• Avoid stress
• Attend your appointments

What are the warning signs?

• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or run down
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs
• Weight gain from excess fluid 
• Cough
• Loss of appetite

Call your doctor or nurse if you experience:

• Weight gain
• Loss of appetite
• Increased shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Frequent urination at night
• Swelling of feet, legs or abdomen