Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding measures to prevent worsening of cardiomyopathy as follows:
- 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.
- Individuals with history of co-existing diabetes must observe compliance with dietary intake and calorie recommendations made. Observe compliance with close watch on blood sugars and medications intake, as ordered. Report to your physician regarding consistent blood sugar readings, out of parameters defined.
- Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday weight recording. Keep a close watch on the severity of pedal edema and other signs of fluid retention, such as, abdominal bloating, facial puffiness, and acute weight gain. Observe compliance with intake of diuretic medications prescribed, if any. 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.
