Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with right-sided heart failure as follows:
- Reduced output of blood from the heart, in individuals with heart failure, can result in 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.
- Persistent back-up of fluid from the heart chambers can lead to increased workload on the heart, progressive deterioration of heart function, further weakening of heart muscle, and worsening of heart failure. Individuals can present with swelling of the lower legs, with pitting upon applying slight pressure. Keep a close watch on the severity of pitting and report to your physician regarding any progressively increasing pedal edema. Observe compliance with intake of diuretic medications prescribed, if any. While resting, observe compliance with elevation of feet above heart level, which can help return the fluid towards the heart and reduce the swelling. Observe compliance with sodium intake limitations, as recommended.
- Reduced blood supply to the kidneys, in individuals with heart failure, can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and in severe cases, even renal failure. Diminished urine output with increased fluid retention can result in acute weight gain and increased load on already failing heart, which can further complicate the outcome. Try peeing into an urinal periodically, for a 24-hour interval. Calculate and keep a record of total volume of urine emptied in a 24-hour interval. Report to your physician regarding any progressively decreasing volume of urine output. Observe compliance with recommendations made for renal diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any.
