Congestive Heart Failure

Heart Failure Do's and Don't's

DO:

1. Get plenty of rest
   
2. Avoid salt in your diet, at the table and in your canned or processed foods
   
3. Keep as active as you can
   
4. Take all your medicines as directed
   
5. Weigh yourself frequently and keep a weight diary – increasing weight can be an early sign of worsening heart failure
   
6. Report any change in symptoms to your doctor
   
7. Drink alcohol only in moderation or not at all if yourdoctor directs
   
8. Learn about your condition
   
9. Obtain yearly flu shots
   
10. Control other cardiac risk factors and conditions
    

DON'T:

1. Eat a lot of salt (salt leads to fluid retention)
   
2. Drink excessive fluids — in general no more than 6-8 cups of fluid/day
   
3. Smoke
   
4. Drink excessive alcohol
   
5. Skip your medications or adjust them without the direction of your physician
   
6. Take over the counter medications, particularly antiinflammatory agents, without alerting your physician

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CV Toolbox One | Congestive Heart Failure
Heart Failure Evidence | HF 2005 Slideshow | Guide to HF Management
Heart Failure Flowsheet | Do's and Don't's | Restricted Sodium Diet | High Potassium Diet |
How to Adjust Your Diuretic Dose | Daily Weight Record | How to Use a Beta Blocker |
Beta Blocker Titration Protocols | Pocket Guideline
Guidelines | PDF Downloads