Remember the word EDEMA (which means swelling of
tissues; edema can be a symptom that your heart failure is worsening). The word
EDEMA will help you recall important activities to manage your heart failure.
Exercise Regularly. Ask your doctor what type of exercise is best for you. At minimum, exercise by walking a
total of 30 minutes a day (include rest intervals as needed), 5 to 6 days a week.
Do Take Your Medications as Prescribed. Keep a list of your medications and bring the list with you to all
appointments. Do not stop taking or change medications until you speak with your
doctor. Stopping your medications can make your condition worse.
Enroll in a Stop Smoking Program - if you smoke. For a person with heart failure, smoking and using
tobacco causes your blood pressure to rise and increases your risk for more heart disease.
Monitor Your Weight and Fluid Intake Daily. Weigh yourself daily at the same time every day, even if you
feel fine and do not have symptoms. Call your doctor if you gain 3 pounds in a
day or 5 pounds in a week. Keep a record of daily fluid intake, especially if
you are thirsty and are drinking a lot. A general fluid intake goal is 2 liters or less of fluids per day.
Avoid Salt (sodium). Following a 2000-milligram or less sodium diet helps control high blood pressure
(hypertension), swelling and water build-up (edema), decreases breathing
problems and may also help to prevent your heart failure from getting worse and
prevent you from having to go to the hospital.
In addition, managing heart failure requires you to
keep follow-up appointments. See your doctor or nurse as recommended. These
follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor your health, your heart’s
response to medications, and address any concerns you may have.
Sources
http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/5360_HFGuidelineFinal.pdf
http://www.hfsa.org/hf_guidelines.asp