Heart Failure (or Congestive Heart Failure) is a long-term (chronic) condition where the heart does not pump blood as well as it should.
Common symptoms of heart failure
- Weight gain or loss
- Swelling in feet, ankles, legs, or stomach (also called edema)
- Hard to breathe
- Feeling tired
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Fast heartbeat
How to care for someone with heart failure
Living with, or caring for someone with heart failure can be challenging. Learning about heart failure will make managing care easier. The ICC team provides a discharge action plan with information about medications and services thatICC team members (i.e. nursing, respiratory therapist, etc.) will provide. Support an individual with COPD by helping them follow their action plan.
Stay Active
Eat Healthy Foods
Follow the Treatment Plan
Healthy habits to help manage heart failure symptoms
- Take weight each day before breakfast; write down on a weight log
- Take medications as ordered by a doctor or primary care provider
- Check each day for swelling in stomach, feet, ankles, and legs
- Eat foods that are low in salt or salt-free
- Have no more than 6-8 cups of fluid each day
- Stay active and exercise each day
- Rest when needed
- Take breaks to sit when feeling short of breath or when feeling dizzy
- Keep stress low