Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with systolic heart failure as follows:
- Fluid back-up and edema due to heart failure can contribute to acute weight gain. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday weight recording. 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.
- Fluid back-up into the lungs in individuals with heart failure 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 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.
- 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 and oxygen supply to heart muscle, in individuals with heart failure, can result in episodes of chest pain and discomfort. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how insignificant it may be.
