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Controlling Your Symptoms
Report any changes
Report any changes in your symptoms to your nurse or doctor e.g.
- Increased puffiness in ankles or tummy
- Increased weight
- Increased breathlessness
Sometimes making small changes to what drugs you take, or what dose, can help avoid an acute attack and possible hospital admission.
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Weigh yourself daily
An increase in weight can be due to fluid retention and be a sign that your heart is not working efficiently enough.
- Weigh yourself every morning, after going to the toilet, and use the same set of scales.
- Print off the chart opposite (see Related Documents) and use it to keep a record of your weight and look out for any changes.
- It is vital to report any changes in weight as soon as possible.
Tell your doctor and / or nurse of any increase in weight of:
- 2lbs, or more, for 2 days running or
- 3 – 4lbs, or more, in a week
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Eat less salt
Too much salt in the diet encourages fluid retention and may worsen the symptoms of heart failure.
Eating less salt can help to ease the strain on the heart.
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Fluid restriction
Depending on your situation, you may be advised to limit the amount of fluid you take in every day. If this is the case then your nurse or doctor will tell you how to do this.
Some tips if you feel thirsty include:
- Sucking on ice cubes
- Freezing fruit juice to make a drink last longer
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