Staying out of heart failure trouble
Submitted by Kelly Galler on Thu, 2009-04-30 10:42
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PrintNo matter if this was the first episode of heart failure, or one of many, you need to know how to keep yourself out of trouble. Maybe you were not told that you have “heart failure,” but you may have just had a heart attack. You are at risk for having the symptoms of heart failure and that can result in hospitalization. Let’s avoid that!
What I need to do to stay out of heart failure trouble:
Medications
- Take medications as prescribed
- Don’t let a prescription run out, get it filled right away and never skip a dose
- Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first
Activity
- Balance rest and activity
- Elevate your legs when resting
- Walk or exercise daily
- If you are overweight, try to lose 10 pounds over the next 3 months
- Attend outpatient cardiac rehab
- Keep your follow-up appointments with your physician
Diet
- Follow a low salt (sodium) diet
- Do not salt food at the table or when cooking
- Read food labels (canned foods have the most salt)
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
Lifestyle changes
- Weigh yourself every morning
- Bring your medications to each doctor visit
- NO SMOKING
- Limit alcohol
- Keep your flu and pneumonia immunizations up to date
Take good care of yourself! Your heart will thank-you.
