The first step to managing heart failure symptoms is getting to know what’s normal for you. How much can you usually do before shortness of breath is a problem? Do your socks and shoes fit comfortably? How much do you weigh? How your symptoms usually feel are your baselines. Knowing what’s normal for you will help you see when symptoms are getting worse. You’ll know because you won’t feel normal anymore. Symptoms that get worse means your heart is under stress. It's having a hard time pumping blood to the rest of your body, and your body may be retaining fluid. Write some baselines in the box below. These will help you measure your symptoms.
Watch for changes
Once you’ve come up with baselines, watch for changes daily. Pay attention to how much you can do today. Is it the same as yesterday? Are your shoes tight? Do you need to use a different belt hole? Can you lie flat in bed to sleep without feeling that you are suffocating? Can you eat without feeling full too soon, or short of breath? Are you gaining weight but eating the same amount?
If today’s symptoms are different from your baselines, you need to take action. The problem won’t go away by itself. So, if you notice even a small change, don’t ignore it. Your health care provider is counting on you to call when you think your symptoms are worse. They will tell you what to do next. Working together this way helps keep heart failure under control and improves the number of good days you have. It could even keep you out of the hospital.
Related Articles
Intimacy and Heart Disease: Your Emotions
If you recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, you may be worried about your love life. This is normal during an illness. But know that you can still enjoy sex. Here is information that can help you understand your feelings. It can also help you work with your partner to rebuild intimacy and enjoy sex again.
Heart Failure: Assessing Your Heart
To evaluate your condition, your healthcare provider will examine you, ask questions, and run tests. Learn more about the tests that may be done and the possible treatments.
Heart Failure: Travel Concerns
You can travel if you have heart failure. You just need to plan ahead. Use this checklist when getting ready for your trip.
Coping with Heart Failure
When you're living with heart failure, it's normal to feel sad or down at times. Here are some tips to help you feel better and get the help you need.