Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of left-sided heart failure as follows: Hypotension: Reduced output of blood from the heart can result in low blood volume in circulation, low blood pressure, and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to brain, secondary to hypotension and reduced output from heart, can contribute to altered level of consciousness. Eventually, this increase risk for falls and accidents. Compromised end organ function: Progressively reduced blood supply to [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding measures to prevent exacerbation of left-sided heart failure as follows: 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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding measures to prevent exacerbation of left-sided heart failure 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 thyroid [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated upon findings to watch for and report in individuals with history of left-sided heart failure as follows: Increasing confusion and dizziness: Reduced blood supply to end organ, brain, can result in increased confusion and frequency of dizzy episodes, thus contributing to falls and accidents. Report to your physician regarding any acute increase in confusion and dizziness, with any occurrence of falls and accidents. Compromised renal function: Progressively reduced blood supply to the [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated upon findings to watch for and report in individuals with history of left-sided heart failure as follows: Hypotension: Reduced output of blood from the heart due to heart failure can result in low blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent systolic readings below 90 and above 160. Report consistent diastolic readings below 60 [...]