Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with right-sided heart failure as follows:
- Reduced output of oxygenated blood from the heart, in individuals with heart failure, can result in reduced blood and oxygen supply to all the vital organs, contributing to compromised organ function. Reduced blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle, in individuals with heart failure, can result in further damage to the heart muscle, worsening of heart failure, and development of arrhythmias. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any 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 fainting. Observe compliance with intake of anti-arrhythmic and other cardiac medications, as ordered.
- Reduced blood supply to the lungs can contribute to 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 observe compliance with oxygen supplementation recommendations and report any need for increase in oxygen requirements. Observe compliance with planning of activities ahead of time, based on endurance levels.
- Be aware of 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 recommendations for smoking cessation, if applicable. 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.
