Patient education: Heart failure – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is heart failure? — Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not pump well. This causes the heart to lag behind in its job of moving blood throughout the body. As a result, fluid backs up in the body, and the organs in the body do not get as much blood as they need. This can lead to symptoms, such as swelling, trouble breathing, and feeling tired.

Heart failure is a long-term problem and, for most people, gets worse over time. Your doctor will work hard to treat your heart failure and to keep you as healthy as possible.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Take all of your medicines as instructed, even if you feel well. Make sure that you are using the most recent list of medicines from your doctor.

●Check with your doctor before taking any new medicines or supplements. Some over-the-counter and prescription medicines, "natural" remedies, and supplements are not good for people with heart failure. For example, medicines such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve) can make heart failure worse.

●Watch for changes in your symptoms, and follow your action plan (figure 1 and figure 2). An action plan is a list of instructions on what to do if your symptoms change.

●Weigh yourself every morning after you urinate but before you eat breakfast. Wear about the same amount of clothing every time. Write down your weight every day.

●Reduce how much salt you eat. Salt is also called "sodium." Try not to add salt at the table or when you cook. Also, avoid foods that come in boxes and cans, unless the labels say that they are low in sodium (table 1). Ask your doctor how much salt you should have. Your doctor might also tell you to limit the amount of fluids you drink.

●Try to lose weight, if you have excess body weight. Your doctor or nurse can help you do this in a healthy way.

●Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

●Be active. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you. Your doctor will let you know if activities such as walking or biking can help reduce your symptoms. But do not exercise if your symptoms are bothering you a lot.

What follow-up care do I need? — Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure that you know when and where to go.

It's very important to go to all of your medical appointments. This is the best time to ask questions and get advice from your doctor or nurse.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you think that you might be having a heart attack.

Symptoms of a heart attack might include:

●Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:

•Trouble breathing, sweating, upset stomach, or cold clammy skin

•Pain in your arms, back, or jaw

•Worse pain with activity like walking up stairs

●Fast or irregular heartbeat

●Feeling dizzy, faint, or weak

Call your doctor for advice if:

●You have any trouble breathing, including waking up at night or needing more pillows than usual to sleep.

●You have wheezing or chest tightness when resting.

●You have a very fast or irregular heartbeat.

●You cough more than normal, or cough up frothy or pink saliva.

●You feel more tired than normal.

●You have diarrhea, or cannot drink water.

●Your weight goes up by 2 or more pounds (1 kilogram) in 1 day, or 4 or more pounds (2 kilograms) in 1 week.

●You have more swelling than usual, especially in your feet and ankles or in your belly.

●You have any new or worrying symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Heart failure (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart failure and atrial fibrillation (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (The Basics)
Patient education: ECG and stress test (The Basics)
Patient education: Echocardiogram (The Basics)
Patient education: Coronary artery disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Coronary artery disease in women (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart attack (The Basics)
Patient education: What can go wrong after a heart attack? (The Basics)
Patient education: Chest pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Low-sodium diet (The Basics)

Patient education: Heart failure (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Heart attack (Beyond the Basics)