Built by the HF Community for Those Living With HF
DEVELOPED WITH PATIENTS, PATIENT ORGANISATIONS, AND
CARE PARTNERS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH HEART FAILURE
Staying on top of
your symptoms
Talk to your team about your symptoms
Keep track of your symptoms and discuss with your doctor any changes you may have noticed since your last appointment. If you start having a new symptom, or one of your symptoms suddenly starts to get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Things to watch out for:
Sudden weight gain
It’s important to weigh yourself every day to keep track of your pillows weight. Weigh yourself at the same time every morning, after you urinate but before you eat breakfast. Notify your healthcare professional if you gain more than 2-3 pounds in one day, 5 or more pounds in 1 week, or any other amount your doctor asked you to monitor
Waking up short of breath, or using extra pillows
Trouble sleeping lying flat
Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
Can occur at rest or at lower levels of exercise or daily activity than before
Frequent dry, hacking cough
A dry, hacking cough that does not go away
Swelling of the lower limbs
Less blood flow to your kidneys may cause fluid and water retention, leading to swollen ankles and legs
Increased fatigue
Feeling tired all the time
Swelling or pain in the abdomen (stomach)
Can occur due to fluid buildup in the body
Make sure to also monitor:
Your blood pressure
If you have heart failure, you may also have high blood pressure, or ‘hypertension.’ Keeping your blood pressure in range is important because high blood pressure can make your heart failure symptoms worse. In addition to regular office visits, your doctor may ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home.
Your heart rate
If you start or continue to experience a fast heart rate, it means your heart is still working too hard or you may have a condition known as an arrhythmia. Keep track of when you experience an increase in your heart rate and discuss what your target heart rate should be with your doctor.
