Understanding Heart Failure
Common Causes of Heart Failure

SMOG Grade: 11.35

Your heart's pumping power is weaker than normal. It fails to deliver the amount of blood needed to meet you body’s demands. Lack of Oxygen Reaching the Heart Muscle Leaky Valves Damaged Heart Muscle Damaged Ventricles Irregular Heart Beat What Heart Failure Does To Your Body Since the heart is not pumping enough blood to your organs and muscles, your body cannot do as much and you may have some uncomfortable signs and symptoms. Fatigue Increase in cough Difficulty breathing during daily activity or when lying flat Need extra pillows to sleep comfortably at night Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, fingers, or abdomen Weight gain, 3 to 5 pounds, over 24 hours More urination at night and less during the day Tell Your Doctor At Once If You Have Any Of These Symptoms What Treatment Can Do For Your Heart Failure While heart failure can’t be cured, it can be treated so that you may still lead a satisfying life. Heart failure medications may help you feel better. Your treatment may… Reduce fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling Maintain and restore your energy Reduce further damage or progression of heart failure Help you continue to enjoy life

Understanding Heart Failure Con’t.
What Can You Do At Home To Avoid Problems With Fluid Overload Weigh Daily and Record A) B) C) D) Get up in the morning Empty Bladder Step on Scale Record

Maintain a low Sodium Diet Limit Fluids Intake

How to Help Reduce Your Overall Risk of a Heart Attack To help reduce your overall risk of having a heart attack you must do things that keep your blood vessels healthy – not clogged, narrowed, or damaged. Don’t smoke. Control your blood pressure. Maintain your cholesterol at healthy levels. Eat sensibly, and watch your weight. Exercise regularly (check with your physician before you begin an exercise program) Maintain emotional stability Take prescribed medications

Sodium Savvy
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