Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with left-sided heart failure as follows: Observe compliance with recommendations for heart healthy diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any. Limit sodium intake to no more than 2 grams or 2000 mg per day. Make healthy food choices that are low in saturated and trans fats. Observe compliance with recommendations for limitations on alcohol consumption, if applicable. Individuals with history of co-existing diabetes must observe [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with left-sided heart failure as follows: 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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with left-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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of left-sided heart failure as follows: Worsening of heart failure: Persistent back-up of fluid in 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. Patients can present with worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as, fluid retention in the chest leading to difficulty in gas exchange in the lungs, swelling of the extremities [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of left-sided heart failure as follows: Chest pain and discomfort: Back-up of blood in the heart chambers can result in increased pressure and discomfort in the chest and increased workload on the heart. This increased workload on the heart can result in demand for extra blood and oxygen supply. As, blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle is already compromised in individuals with heart failure, any extra demand can result [...]