Being aware and informed is the first step towards living a heart-healthy life
Living with heart failure:
Living with heart failure requires your active participation as well as that of your family members and your team of doctors
Weigh yourself every day
- Any change in weight could indicate your heart failure is not under control as well as it should be.
- Keep a record of your daily weight on a calendar or diary.
- Call your doctor in case you notice a weight gain of 2 kgs
- Ensure you take your weight at every doctor appointment and discuss it with your doctor
Take your medications
- Medications are prescribed for maintaining the functional ability of your heart to pump enough blood to support your body as well as to relieve symptoms that you may be experiencing
- Taking your medicines as directed will help you keep your heart failure under control and prevent progression to surgical options.
Eat a heart healthy diet that is low in salt
- Your doctor will advise you of the amount of salt allowed in your diet
- Restrict the use of packaged food which may be high in salt content
- Read all food labels to know how much salt do they contain.
Try to exercise as much as possible
- Exercising is an important part of your treatment
- Your doctor will advise you on how much and what type of exercise is to be followed on a daily basis
- Shortness of breath, sweating and rapid heart rate caused by exercise are not symptoms of heart failure worsening.
- Take occasional breaks and resume exercise in case you feel any of the above.
Keep a check on your symptoms
Checking your symptoms on a daily basis goes a long way in helping keep heart failure under control.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- Unexplained change in weight
- Swelling in your legs or stomach
- Shortness of breath that is new, increased or occurs more often or at rest
- Dizziness, confusion
- Chest discomfort during activity that is relieved by rest
- Changes in heartbeat: fast heart rate (more than 120 beats per minute at rest); or a new, more frequent or more irregular heartbeat
- Poor appetite, nausea or vomiting
- Respiratory infection; coughing
Maintain regular follow-ups with your doctor
- Keeping your regular visits to your doctor helps your doctor to understand your progress and take necessary steps to prevent future risks
- It also helps you get answers to any questions that you may have about your condition as well as discuss your treatment progress with your doctor.
To know more about your condition, call our patient confidantes today!
References:
- Singh, A., et al. Financial burden of heart failure in a developing country: cost analysis from Manipal Heart Failure Registry, India. J Public Health (Berl.). 2021; 29: 585–594
- American Heart Association. Managing Heart Failure Symptoms. Available at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure/managing-heart-failure-symptoms accessed on 19th Feb 2023
ICC . National heart Failure Registry. Available at https://www.iccnhfr.org/the-current-situation accessed on 19th Feb 2023
