Living Well with Heart Failure: Essential Prevention and Management Strategies

Understanding Your Heart Failure Management Plan

Daily Monitoring

• Weight Tracking

  • Weigh yourself each morning
  • Record weight in a log
  • Report gains of 2-3 pounds in 24 hours

• Symptom Awareness

  • Monitor breathing difficulty
  • Track energy levels
  • Note swelling in feet/ankles
  • Check for increased coughing

Medication Management

• Take all medications as prescribed
• Use a pill organizer
• Never skip doses
• Report side effects to your healthcare provider

Lifestyle Modifications

Diet Guidelines

• Sodium Restriction
  • Limit to 2000mg daily
  • Read food labels
  • Avoid processed foods
• Fluid Management
  • Track daily fluid intake
  • Follow recommended restrictions

Exercise Program

• Regular physical activity
• Start slowly and build up
• Follow your doctor's recommendations
• Stop if experiencing symptoms

Prevention Strategies

1. Get annual flu shots
2. Manage other health conditions
3. Keep all medical appointments
4. Avoid alcohol and tobacco

When to Seek Help

Emergency Signs

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Rapid/irregular heartbeat

Contact Your Doctor If:

• Weight gain > 2-3 pounds/day
• Increased swelling
• Worsening fatigue
• New symptoms appear

Support Resources

• Cardiac rehabilitation programs
• Support groups
• Educational materials
• Care team contacts