Living with Heart Failure

HOW TO CARE FOR YOURSELF

Being diagnosed with heart failure can be frightening and stressful. There are some things you can do to manage your condition:

● Be sure to take your medicines as instructed. Do not skip doses when you feel better. If you are having trouble paying for your medicines, talk to your doctor or nurse.

● Tell your doctor if your medicines cause side effects or other problems. Your doctor might be able to switch you to another medicine or lower your dose to avoid bothersome side effects.

● Pay attention to how you feel, and look for signs that your heart failure is getting worse and always have an action plan (figure). Let your doctor know if there are any changes.

When to seek help — Call for emergency help (in the United States and Canada, dial 9-1-1) if you have any of the following:

● Severe shortness of breath

● Chest discomfort or pain that lasts more than 15 minutes and does not get better with rest – If your provider has prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain, take it as directed and seek help if your pain does not resolve.

● Fainting or passing out

Call your doctor or nurse if you develop any of the following, which can be signs of worsening heart failure:

● Increasing or new shortness of breath

● New or worsened cough, especially if you are coughing up frothy or bloody material

● An increase in leg or ankle swelling

● Weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds (1 kilogram) in one day or five pounds (2 kg) in one week

● A fast or irregular heartbeat