Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding measures to prevent worsening of dilated cardiomyopathy as follows:
- Observe compliance with intake of anti-arrhythmic medications. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any worsening signs and symptoms of arrhythmia, such as, fluttering in the chest, racing or abnormally slow heartbeat, poorly felt pulse, dizziness, any episodes of loss of consciousness, chest pain and/or discomfort, and altered levels of consciousness.
- Be aware of risk factors for clot formation, such as, reduced activity, poor fluid intake, and smoking. Observe compliance with fluid intake and smoking cessation recommendations made, if applicable. Keep a close watch for and report to your physician regarding signs and symptoms of clot and emboli formation, such as, acute dry cough, sudden chest pain with exacerbation of shortness of breath, acute calf pain with swelling of the lower limb, and dizziness. Observe compliance with intake of blood thinner and anticoagulant medications, if any ordered. Observe compliance with periodical lab draws, as ordered, for any changes to be made in the dose of anticoagulant medications.
- Keep a close watch and report any progressively reducing urine volume output. Also, report any worsening episodes of confusion and altered levels of consciousness. Observe compliance with recommendations made for renal diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any.
