Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding findings to watch for and report with dilated cardiomyopathy as follows:
- Blood pressure: Reduced output of blood from the heart can result in low blood volume in circulation, low blood pressure, and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure and heart rate readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent systolic readings below 90 and above 160. Report consistent diastolic readings below 60 and above 90. Report any consistent heart rate readings below 55 and above 100. Observe compliance with all cardiac medications, as prescribed.
- Acute weight gain: Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday weight recording. Fluid back-up can result in acute weight gain. 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.
- Exacerbation of SOB: Reduced output of oxygenated blood from the heart will result in reduced blood and oxygen supply to all the vital organs, contributing to increased dyspnea and SOB. Also, fluid back-up into the lungs can lead to fluid retention in the chest, difficulty in gas exchange in the lungs, poor oxygen pick-up, and exacerbation of shortness of breath. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday oxygen saturation readings. Report to your physician regarding any oxygen saturations consistently below 90. Oxygen dependent individuals must report any need for increase in oxygen requirements.
