More than 6 million adults in the U.S. are living with heart failure. The symptoms of heart failure tend to get worse over time as the heart becomes weaker and less able to function efficiently. Getting treatment as soon as possible is the best way to manage the condition.
There’s no cure for heart failure. But if caught early, the team at The Heart Failure Program at Chester County Hospital can put together a strategic plan to stop or slow your symptoms. We can recommend lifestyle changes to help you maintain your quality of life and work with your health care professional to prescribe medications to keep your condition from progressing and worsening.
The Key Components of Your Heart Failure Management Plan
CHOOSE YOUR FLUIDS WISELY – INCLUDING WHAT YOU EAT & DRINK
Your healthcare provider will discuss with you how much fluid you should have each day. Fluids are more than water and include:
- Ice cream
- Ice cubes
- Gelatin
- Popsicles
- Sherbet
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Watermelon
EAT A LOW-SODIUM (LOW-SALT) DIET
Eating less salt (sodium) each day helps prevent fluid build-up in your body. Limit your daily sodium intake to 2000 mg/day. About 71% of the sodium that Americans consume is estimated to come from processed and restaurant foods -- not the salt shaker. Compare Nutrition Facts labels and serving sizes so you are aware of you sodium intake.
- For flavor, use spices, herbs & other salt- or sodium-free seasonings.
- Be a smart shopper. Look for food packages that have no added salt or say "salt free", "sodium free" or "low sodium" (less than 140 mg per serving).
- Eat more fresh food -- fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish and poultry.
- Don’t add salt or cook with it.(One teaspoon of table salt will add 2,300 mg of sodium!)
- Remove the salt shaker from the table.
- Avoid salt substitutes such as Lite Salt, No Salt and Salt Sense.
- Limit processed foods, such as food in a bag, box or can.
- Avoid fast food restaurants. When you eat out, ask for the nutritional facts.
WEIGH YOURSELF EVERY DAY
It is extremely important for heart failure patients to maintain a healthy weight. Weight gain can be an indication that your are retaining fluids and your condition is worsening. Maintain a Daily Weight Record and take it with you when you go to see your heart failure provider. Call your provider if you:
- Gain 2 or more pounds in 1 day
- Gain 5 or more pounds in 1 week
Tips for Weighing Yourself:
- Weigh yourself at the same time each morning.
- Take your weight as soon as you get out of bed and after you use the bathroom.
- Weigh yourself before you eat or dress.
CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Speak with your provider about how often you should check your blood pressure. When you check your blood pressure, write your numbers down in a Blood Pressure Record and share this information regularly with your provider.
Tips for Checking Your Blood Pressure:
- Don’t smoke, exercise or drink caffeinated drinks or alcohol for at least 30 minutes before checking.
- Empty bladder before checking, if needed.
- Remove clothing from the arm you are using to check your blood pressure.
- Rest in a chair for at least 5 minutes before checking.
GET UP & GET MOVING
Even a little movement, like walking each day, can help you. Positive effects include:
• Stronger muscles
• Better blood sugar, blood pressure, blood flow and cholesterol
• Less stress
• Better sleep
• Weight control
When you exercise, pace yourself. Start slowly and add more activity little by little. Take rest breaks. Stop if you feel short of breath, experience dizziness or have chest pain. If independent exercise is challenging, ask your provider if Cardiac Rehabilitation is right for you.
LIVE TOBACCO FREE
Avoiding smoking and vaping is important for your heart failure. When you quit smoking, you lower your risks for cancer, lung disease, heart attack, stroke, blood vessel disease and blindness. Breathing becomes easier, and blood pressure is reduced. Talk to your provider about quitting smoking and programs that can help you to do it! Click Here to see Chester County Hospital's smoking cessation program.
TAKE YOUR HEART FAILURE MEDICATIONS AS PRESCRIBED
Most patients with heart failure need at least one type of medication to manage the condition. When taken correctly, these medications can improve your heart's function, ease symptoms and help you live longer. Learn More About Heart Failure Medications!
Check Your Heart Failure Zones Every Day
Making sure you are "in the Green Zone" is the best indication that your heart failure management regimen is working.
THE GREEN ZONE: ALL CLEAR
This Zone is Your Goal. Your symptoms are under control. You have:
- No shortness of breath
- No weight gain of 2 or more pounds
- No swelling of your feet, ankles, legs or belly
- No chest pain
- No decrease in your ability to do your daily activities
THE YELLOW ZONE: CAUTION
This Zone is a Warning. Call your healthcare provider today if you have:
- Gained 2 pounds in 1 day or 5 pounds or more in 1 week
- Experienced increased shortness of breath
- Experienced swelling of your feet, ankles, legs or stomach
- A lack of energy; tired feeling
- A dry or moist hacking cough
- Dizziness
- An uneasy feeling; you know something is just not right
- A harder time breathing when lying down; you are needing to sleep sitting up in a chair
THE RED ZONE: EMERGENCY
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are:
- Struggling to breathe. Unrelieved shortness of breath while sitting still
- Having chest pain
- Confused or can’t think clearly