What is Heart Failure?
Heart Failure is the inability of the heart to provide a good blood supply to the tissues and organs of the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped working or that you are having a heart attack.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
When the heart does not work normally, it may not pump enough blood to support your other organs and may cause you to retain fluid. This can cause leg or abdominal swelling, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath during activity or when lying flat.
Changes in symptoms:
Symptoms may vary from time to time; however if you closely monitor your symptoms your specialist nurse or Doctor may be able to adjust medications to control any changes in symptoms.
Limiting Fluids:
Monitoring fluid intake (water, coffee/tea, juice, soups, etc.) will help avoid fluid build-up. If you have been prescribed water tablets (diuretics), these will make you pass more urine and make you feel thirstier. Try not to drink more than 4 pints (2 litres) of fluid per day. Only restrict your fluids if this has been recommended by your Heart Failure Nurse.
Daily Weights:
Weighing yourself daily is your guide to keeping your fluid balance and symptoms stable. The best time to do this is in the morning after passing urine and before getting dressed. Keeping a log of your weight and symptoms will help you and your Doctor evaluate your treatment and make adjustments as needed.
A weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds in 1 day, or 5 pounds in 1 week should be reported to your Heart Failure Nurse or your Doctor.
Important Lifestyle Issues
Maintaining an active lifestyle should be a goal for you. Activity is important, try to continue those activities which do not cause you any symptoms. Mild to moderate exercise under the guidance of the medical team is usually safe and encouraged. You may be advised of a walking or exercise programme. Avoid strenuous exertion such as heavy lifting or pushing.
Try to rest if you feel tired. If your ankles are swollen put your feet up. If you have any problems breathing when lying down use extra pillows.
Research has shown that certain medications, often in combination, can help to improve your symptoms and prolong your life. It is important that you take your medications daily as prescribed. Consider using a medication schedule, list, blister pack, pillbox or mobile phone to remind you to take your medications as prescribed.
Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnoea, and infections may contribute to worsening symptoms of heart failure. Inform your heart team if you have any new medical problems or new medications. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen should be avoided. Vaccinations for pneumonia and influenza are recommended. It is also important that you avoid smoking or vaping, only take alcohol in moderation and avoid recreational drugs
Your heart condition may remain stable for a long time. However, if your heart function worsens in spite of the best possible selfcare and medical treatment, other options may be considered, and a specialist review may be required to discuss further treatment options.
Help to Manage Your Symptoms Every Day
• Know the symptoms of heart failure and when to contact your medical team.
• Weigh yourself in the morning before breakfast and write it down. Compare to yesterday’s weight.
• Check for swelling in your feet, ankles and tummy.
• Avoid adding salt to food and stick to your fluid restriction if you have been given one.
• Balance activity and rest periods.
• Understand how each medication helps your heart and its possible side effects.
• Take your medicine every day as prescribed.
• Keep a medication list in your wallet and bring your medications to your appointments.
• Ask for medication refills 7–10 days before you run out.
• Talk to your Doctor or Heart Failure Nurse before stopping any medication, or if you notice side-effects.
• Keep regular medical or Heart Failure Team appointments and expect regular blood tests.
Please monitor and report any worsening symptoms to your Heart Failure Nurse or your Doctor.
