Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with congestive heart failure as follows:
- Fluid back-up and edema due to heart failure can contribute to acute weight gain. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday weight recording. Any acute increase of weight, more than 2 pounds in 2 consecutive days or more than 5 pounds in one-week duration, indicates significant fluid retention and deteriorating cardiac function, and must be reported to the physician.
- Reduced blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle, in individuals with heart failure, can result in episodes of chest pain and discomfort. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how insignificant it may be.
- Observe compliance with recommendations for heart healthy diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any. Limit sodium intake to no more than 2 grams or 2000 mg per day. Make healthy food choices that are low in saturated and trans fats.
- Observe compliance with recommendations for limitations on alcohol consumption, if applicable.
- Reduced blood supply to brain and muscles can result in increased confusion, frequency of dizzy episodes, muscle pain, fatigue, and reduced endurance to activity, thus contributing to falls and accidents. Observe compliance with use of assistive device for fall and accident prevention. Seek therapy assistance for planned and safe execution of activities. Always, seek for caregiver assistance, as needed.
