Heart Center, featuring the Luce Heart Institute

Managing Heart Failure

Heart failure cannot be cured, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Successful treatment depends on YOU. You must be willing to control of your health. It's also important to involve caregivers and loved ones to successfully manage heart failure.

The following lifestyle changes can help improve heart failure symptoms, slow disease progression and improve your overall health.

• Quit smoking
• Weigh yourself daily (same time of day, wearing similar clothing) - notify your MD if you gain 2 or more pounds in a day or five pounds in a week.
• Limit fluid intake - talk to your MD about the amount of fluid you should drink daily.
• Avoid alcohol
• Limit sodium in your diet - 1,500 mg is the amount the American Heart Association recommends (equivalent to approximately ½ tsp per day).
• Eat a healthy diet - low fat and cholesterol.
• Stay active - talk to your MD about the amount/type of exercise that is recommended.
• Take your medications as prescribed by your physician.
• See your doctor for follow-up visits
• BE AWARE OF YOUR SYMPTOMS