Tips For Managing Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic health issue. There are many symptoms of heart failure. These symptoms can include shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, coughing, and swelling in the legs.¹

Tips to manage your HF symptoms

If you have HF, you may be looking for ways to manage your symptoms. It is important to know your symptoms and follow your doctor’s instructions. Being a step ahead of your HF will help you to stay healthy and may keep you out of the hospital.¹

Weigh yourself daily

An important symptom of heart failure is weight gain. Your body can retain fluid because your heart cannot move blood through your body as well as it should. You should:^1-3

• Weigh yourself every day – this should be in the morning after you use the bathroom. You should not be wearing clothes when you weigh yourself. You can set an alarm on your phone to remind you to weigh yourself if you need to.
• Keep track of your weight – You may want to write it down in a notebook or create a chart. There are charts already made online that you can print out and use. You can download a daily weight tracker app for your smartphone. If you prefer, you can also keep track in a spreadsheet on your computer.
• Contact your doctor if you have any weight changes – Your doctor should know if you gain 3 pounds in 1 day, or 5 pounds in a week. This can be a sign your HF is getting worse.

Limit and track liquid intake

When you have heart failure, drinking (or eating) too much liquid can be harmful.³ HF causes the body to retain fluids. Have a conversation with your doctor about the safe amount of liquid for your needs. Remember, liquids include soups, gelatin desserts, coffee, and tea. Your doctor may prescribe a medication called a diuretic to help your body get rid of water.^1-2 Some people refer to diuretics as water pills.

Limit how much salt you eat

Sodium (or salt) can cause your body to retain fluids as well.1 You should try to limit how much salt you eat (or drink). Tracking your sodium is a good idea. You should read the nutrition labels on your foods before you eat them.¹ You will be surprised how much salt is in many prepackaged foods and drinks. Talk to your doctor about a safe sodium level for your needs.

Take your medications as prescribed

It is very important to take your medicines as your doctor has instructed.^1,3 You may want to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to take your drugs. You can also take your pills at the same time as a daily habit, such as brushing your teeth or making your daily cup of tea or coffee. This method is known as “habit stacking.” It helps to remind you when to do important tasks.

Many people find pillboxes a helpful way to remember to take their medications.¹ There are many types of pillboxes. Some have alarms to remind you to take your medication. Many pillboxes have spaces for different times throughout the day that you will need to take your medications. Your local pharmacy should be able to help you find the right pillbox to suit your needs.

Know your heart failure symptoms

It is important to know that everyone with HF can experience different symptoms.^1-3 Knowing your HF symptoms can help you recognize when you need to see your doctor to prevent symptoms from getting worse. This can help keep you out of the hospital.¹
These are symptoms that are commonly reported:^1-2

• Swelling in the legs or stomach area
• Shortness of breath when resting, walking, or lying flat
• Increased blood pressure
• Confusion or impaired thinking
• Lack of appetite

The importance of tracking

It is important to track your heart failure symptoms, so you know how your disease behaves.^1-3 You can keep track in a notebook, on a printed chart, or you may want to keep track on an app on your smartphone. Make sure to check your symptoms every day and record them. It is important to note any changes and to talk to your doctor immediately.¹ Many people wait too long to talk to their doctor when their symptoms change. This could result in you being admitted to the hospital.

If you have any questions about your HF, you should talk to your health care team. Your doctor and their team know your disease best, after you, of course! Tell them about any questions or concerns that you have about your HF and ask them for help in tracking your symptoms. They will be able to tell you what to look for and when to call them with any issues you may have.