Ask a Doctor

What kinds of heath checks do I need to do at home and how do I do them?

• How do I check my pulse and blood pressure? - Checking your blood pressure at home is easier than you’d expect. You first need to buy the right equipment. Talk to your doctor about the best home monitors to buy to check your blood pressure. You want to make sure you get the right size cuff.

• How should I check my weight? - Light clothing, be consistent. Do it in an environment with plenty of light.

• When should I do these checks? - In morning, before daily activities

• How should I keep track of my blood pressure, weight, and pulse? - Keep a daily log and discuss them with medical provider when seen at providers office.

What are the signs and symptoms that my heart failure is getting worse? Will I always have the same symptoms?

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• What should I do if my weight goes up? If my legs swell up? If I feel more short of breath? If my clothes feel tight? - Notify medical provider and discuss uptitrating medications or possible office visit.

• What are the signs and symptoms that I am having angina or a heart attack? - Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, syncope ('passing-out') although it has been well documented that female, elderly and diabetic can sometimes have non specific symptoms or simply non at all. Always discuss with medical provider any questions you might have.

• When should I call the doctor? When should I call 911 or the local emergency number - If symptoms worsen, consider medical evaluation. In the case of an emergency, consider a 911 call for immediate assistance.

What medicines am I taking to treat heart failure?

• Do they have any side effects? - Most of them will have to certain degree. Most "heart medications" will affect the blood pressure and heart rate.

• What should I do if I miss a dose? - It is not recommended but if happens frequently, discuss it with medical provider.

• Is it ever safe to stop taking any of these medicines on my own? - Not recommended. Should be discussed with medical provider.

• What over-the-counter medicines are NOT compatible with my regular medicines? - Most over the counter medication can affect the heart. Consider discussing with medical provider prior to starting any new medication.

How much activity or exercise can I do?

• Which activities are better to start with? - Start slow. Although most societies recommend 30 minutes of exercise a day. Start slow, maybe with 5 minutes a day if you have not been active and slowly increase distance and time dedicated to exercise. Stay active.

• Are there activities or exercises that are not safe for me?- Most heart failure patient should be cautious with weight lifting and strenuous activities.

• Is it safe for me to exercise on my own? - All depends on what exercise will be done. Consider cardiac rehabilitation.

Do I need to go to a cardiac rehabilitation program?

Are there limits on what I can do at work? - All depends on what type of work patient does.

What should I do if I feel sad or very worried about my heart disease? - Depression is common on patient with heart failure. Proper management is recommended.

How can I change the way I live to make my heart stronger? - Stay active, be compliant with medical regimen and don't miss appointments!!

• How much water or fluid can I drink every day? How much salt can I eat? What are other types of seasoning I can use instead of salt? - See out "Behavior matters" section

• What is a heart-healthy diet? Is it ever ok to eat something that is not heart-healthy? What are some ways to eat healthy when I go to a restaurant?

** Eat an overall healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes:

1. A variety of fruits and vegetables

2. Whole grains

3. Low-fat dairy products

4. Skinless poultry and fish

5. Nuts and legumes

6. 6.Non-tropical vegetable oils

** Limit saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, red meat, sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. If you choose to eat red meat, compare labels and select the leanest cuts available.

*** One of the diets that fits this pattern is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. Most healthy eating patterns can be adapted based on calorie requirements and personal and cultural food preferences.