Taking good care of yourself can make a difference in how you live with heart failure.
Following your care plan every day can help you feel better and enjoy life more.
Whether you've just found out you have heart failure or you've been caring for yourself a long time, it never hurts to review what you can do for yourself.
Here are the top five things you can do every day to live better with heart failure.
One: Track your symptoms.
Thinking about how you're feeling physically and writing those symptoms down can help you know what symptoms are normal for you, how they may have changed, or if they've gotten worse.
This can also help you know when to call your doctor or when to get emergency help.
Two: Take your medicines as prescribed.
Don't stop or change your medicines or take new medicines unless your doctor says it's okay.
And be sure you know which over-the-counter medicines to avoid because some medicines can make your symptoms worse.
Three: Weigh yourself every day.
Check and write down your weight to watch for sudden weight gain.
Sudden weight gain is a sign that your heart failure may be getting worse.
Weigh yourself at the same time each day, wearing the same clothes—or nothing at all.
The best time to weigh yourself is in the morning after you've gone to the bathroom and before you've had anything to eat or drink.
Four: Limit sodium.
This helps keep fluid from building up in your body and may help you feel better.
Your doctor can tell you how much sodium is right for you.
Try limiting the salt you eat at home.
And when you shop or eat out, be aware of the "hidden" sodium that can be found in processed and restaurant foods.
Five: Be active.
Exercise makes your body and heart stronger.
It can help you feel better too.
Ask your doctor what types and levels of exercise are safe for you.
Your doctor can help you make an exercise plan.
Now, here's one more thing to think about.
Some people with heart failure may need to limit their fluids.
Your doctor will let you know if this is true for you and—if it is— how much fluid you can drink each day.
So here again are the top ways you can care for yourself.
Track your symptoms.
Take your medicines as prescribed.
Weigh yourself daily.
Limit sodium.
And be active.
Some people find that having a team of friends, family, or online support helps them manage the things they need to do to live better with heart failure.
Sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Of course, you know yourself best.
If you ever find yourself with worries or concerns about your health, you can always call your doctor.
