congestive heart failure management · blood pressure get healthy stay healthy committed to serving...

• Weigh daily

• Monitor my blood pressure

• Eat a low sodium diet

• Watch my fluid/liquid restriction

• Avoid tobacco and alcohol

• Know when to call my doctor

• Always take my medication as ordered

• Exercise

Congestive Heart Failure Management

WHAT IS CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE?

Congestive heart failure does not mean your heart is “failing”.

Heart failure means that your heart is not pumping blood as well as it could be. As your heart’s pumping action weakens, blood backs up into the vessels around the lungs. Fluid starts to build up and you may experience shortness of breath and/or swelling in your hands, legs and feet. This is why heart failure is called “congestive heart failure”.

Heart failure is a serious illness, however, with medication and lifestyle changes, you can live a full life.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORSGet HealthyStay Healthy

Committed to serving you.

High Blood Pressure

IrregularHeart Beat

LungDisease

Eating toomuch salt

Heart Attack,Coronary Artery Disease,

Heart Valve Disease

Diabetes

Drinking toomuch Alcohol

Infection/Illness

THINGS TO DO TO HELP ME LIVE

WITH HEART FAILURE

2 CHFM Copyright © 2018 Trilogy Health Insurance, Inc.

WHO TO CALL & WHEN

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WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY DOCTOR?• Weight gain of 2 pounds in 1 day or 5 pounds in 5 days• Shortness of breath that is worse or shortness of breath at rest• New or worsening swelling in legs, feet, hands or abdomen• Fatigue which keeps you from doing daily activities• Bloating in your stomach, or feeling more full when eating• Increased coughing• Unable to lay flat or using more pillows than usual• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

WHEN SHOULD I CALL 911?• You have Chest discomfort or pain that lasts more than 15 minutes and is not

relieved after taking Nitroglycerin• You are unable to catch your breath• You faint or pass out

• You experience a fast or irregular heartbeat

CONTACT INFORMATIONCardiologist: Phone #:Emergency Contact:

Please keep this along with your medication list on your refrigerator

where it is easily accessible by emergency personnel.


WEIGH YOURSELF DAILY



You should weigh yourself every day, at the same time, preferably in the morning, on the same scale, wearing only your underwear and after you have gone to the bathroom.

Write down your weight each day and bring with you to your doctor’s appointment. If you gain 2 pounds per day or 5 pounds in one week, please contact your doctor immediately. Do not wait until your next appointment.

HELPFUL REMINDERS• It is possible to gain fluid without noticing any swelling.• Remember that scales weigh differently.


BLOOD PRESSURE



Many people with heart failure often have other medical conditions as well, such as, high blood pressure (Hypertension).

High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and can make you feel worse.

It is extremely important to take your medicaion as directed by your provider car-ing for your heart failure. If you are unable to take your medication, talk with your provider. Do NOT stop taking the medication on your own as you can make your heart failure worse.

The American Heart Association (2018)defines high blood pressure as

130/80 or higher.


LOW SALT DIET



It is not easy changing the way we eat or prepare our meals. It may take some time before you are accustomed to not adding salt to your food. People with heart failure need to cut down their salt intake to keep water from building up in your body. A low salt diet is 200 mg of Sodium (Salt), but your doctor may adjust this according to your symptoms.

• Learn to read labels. Remember: high salt foods are usually placed on the outer perimeters at your grocery store such as soups, lunch meat, chips, ketchup, etc.

• Check with your doctor before using a salt substitute as many substitutes contain high levels of Potassium which may interact with your medication.

• When preparing meals, NO MORE than 650 mg of salt per meal.• Stop adding salt to food, this can cut salt down 30% or 1/3 teaspoon.• Pick foods naturally low in salt such as, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat,

poultry, fish, canned fruits, plain frozen vegetables, dried beans, peas and rice.• See a Dietician if you are having a difficult time managing your salt intake.

TIPS FOR DINING OUT• Do NOT add salt to your food.• Avoid selecting foods that are cured or smoked.• Order Salad dressing on the side and use sparingly.• Avoid olives, pickles, bacon bits, cheese, mayo and cream-based or marinated

salads.• Choose an entree that is grilled, baked or broiled.• Choose fresh fruit or angel food cake for dessert.

SODIUM MEASUREMENTS

1/4 teaspoon = 500 mg Sodium1/2 teaspoon = 1000 mg Sodium3/4 teaspoon = 1500 mg Sodium1 teaspoon = 2000 mg SodiumBaking soda = 1259 mg Sodium


FLUID RESTRICTIONS



FLUID MEASUREMENTS1 quart = 4 cups = 32 ounces = 960 ml1 pint = 2 cups = 16 ounces = 480ml

1cup = 8 ounces = 240 ml

ITEMS THAT COUNT AS FLUIDS/LIQUIDS

• Water

• Alcohol

• Coffee

• Ice Cream

• Popsicle

• Ice Cubes

• Milk

• Cream

• Tea

• Jell-O

• Soup/Broth

• Soft Drinks

• Non-dairy Creamer

• Fruit Juice

• Vegetable Juice

• Sorbet/Sherbert

HOW TO HELP CONTROL YOUR FLUID INTAKE• Eat cold fruits and vegetables between meals• Eat hard candies or chewing gum• Rinse your mouth with Biotene Mouthwash• Use small cups or glasses and take sips not gulps• Measure allowed fluid and keep in refrigerator

REMEMBER: 2 CUPS OF RETAINED FLUID = 1 POUND OF FLUID WEIGHT GAIN!


READING YOUR LABELS



• Start at the top and note the serving size, this describes how much food is in ONE serving. All the information on the rest of the label is based on serving size.

• The Servings per Container should be carefully viewed because it shows how much sodium (salt), fiber, protein, calories, etc. is in each serving.

• Look to see how many calories are in a single serving and the number of calo-ries from fat.

• Eating less of total fat and sodium can help reduce your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.

• Increase the amount of fiber you eat and try to lower your intake of sugars

WHAT YOUR LABEL SAYS...AND WHAT IT MEANS

LABEL CLAIM: DEFINITION:

Cholesterol Free Less than 2mg cholesterol and 2 gm or less saturated fat

Low Cholesterol 20 mg or less cholesterol and 2 gm or less saturated fat

Light or Lite 1/3 few calories or 50% less fat

Light in Sodium 50% less sodium

Fat Free Less than 1/2 gm of fat or less

Low Fat 3 gm of fat or less

Calorie Free Less than 5 calories

Low Calorie 40% or less

Sodium Free Less than 5 mg sodium

Very Low Sodium 35 mg or less sodium

Low Sodium 140 mg or less sodium


MEDICATION MANAGEMENT



The purpose of medication is to make you feel better and treat your heart failure. It is important you take all of your medication the way your doctor prescribed it. Do NOT stop taking your medication unless you are told to do so as this may make your heart failure worse.

The following are types of medications that may be used to treat your heart failure.

NAME OF MEDICATION: FUNCTION:

Ace Inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, captopril, ramipril)

Lower your blood pressure and decrease how hard your heart has to work

Beta Blockers (Metoprolol, Atenolol, Nebivolol, Esmilol)

Lower your blood pressure and slow your heart rate. This lessens how hard your heart has to work.

DigoxinHelps your heart pump with more strength and helps the heart pump more blood to the rest of your body.

*Diuretics (Water pills such as Lasix, spironolactone, torsemide or bumetanide)

Rids your body of excess (too much) water which means your heart does not have to pump so hard.

*Some diuretics (water pills) make you lose Potassium. Your doctor will provide you with Potassium supplements if needed, however, these levels must be checked regularly to avoid an irregular heartbeat.

As with all medications, please tell your doctor immediately if you are feeling worse.


IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT YOUR MEDICATION



The medications your doctor prescribed cannot make your heart failure go away, but they can make you feel better and help you manage your disease. Below are some helpful tips regarding your medicine.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Always take your medicine as prescribed.

• Keep all your medications in the original container (filling a weekly pill box is okay, however, do not put the rest of your medications in a different container).

• Try to learn your medications. What does it look like? What is the dose? Remember that from time to time the manufacturer changes. Please clarify any changes with your pharmacist.

• Do not run out of your medicine.

• Tell your pharmacist and doctor all of the medications you are taking, this includes all prescribed and non-prescribed medications such as vitamins and home remedies.

• Do not skip or increase your dose unless you are told to do so by your doctor. If you miss a dose, do NOT double up on your medications; instead, take your next dose when it is due.

• If you are unable to take your medications for any reasons, call your doctor or nurse immediately.

• Do NOT take any over-the-counter medications until you check with your doctor. Some of these medications may interfere with your prescribed medications and could worsen your heart failure.

• Try to get all of your medications from one pharmacy. This will decrease confusion for both you and the doctor when new medication is prescribed.


EXERCISE & HEART FAILURE



It is important you continue to exercise regularly and continue your daily activities. Activities may include bicycling, walking, gardening, swimming, mild aerobics and more.

Avoid activities in extreme heat or cold or when you are not feeling well. During extreme temperatures outside, it is best to remain indoors such as walking inside of a shopping mall or gym.

If you experience any of the following symptoms during exercise:

• Increased shortness of breath• Increased cough• Chest pain or discomfort• Light headedness or dizziness• Fast or irregular heartbeat• Extreme fatigue

STOP AND REST! IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT GO AWAY, CALL 911.

As with any activity, always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Taking short walks is always a good starting point. Ask your doctor if you qualify or would benefit from a Cardiac Rehab program.


HOW YOUR FAMILY CAN HELP



Your family is a big part of your health care team.

• Your family can help you monitor and recognize signs and symptoms of heart failure.

• It is important for your family to understand your illness and know the medications you are taking.

• It is recommended that one family member accompany you to any appointments or classes.

• Please share any new information with them so they can assit you at any time.


REFERENCES



American Heart Association. (2018). Understanding blood pressure readings. Retrieved March 06, 2018, from http://www.heart.org/ HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/KnowYourNumbers/ Understanding-Blood-Pressure-Readings_UCM_301764_Article. jsp#.Wp7NQrmraB8


MY CARE TEAM

My doctor is: Phone #:

My cardiologist is: Phone #:

Pharmacy: Phone #:

Hospital:

Cardiac Rehab:

Dietician:

Care Manager:

Phone #: 414.771.6177




BLOOD PRESSURE/PULSE RECORD



NAME:

DATE TIME BLOOD PRESSURE PULSE


MY MEDICATION RECORD



NAME:

MEDICATION DOSE FREQUENCY LAST DOSE TAKENPRESCRIPTION


Going to your doctor can be overwhelming at times and can make you nervous. You may forget what you want to ask and/or forget what your doctor tells you. Use this sheet to write down your questions.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR



1.YOUR QUESTION

THE ANSWER

2.YOUR QUESTION

THE ANSWER

3.YOUR QUESTION

THE ANSWER

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