Heart Failure. Team. Project Details Color(s): CMYK File Name: CST3844_NM13_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd. Round 3

Transcription

1 Taking Charge of Heart Failure CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd 1 Job: CST844 NM1 TCO CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd

2 You can take charge of heart failure. Heart failure means that your heart is not pumping as well as it should. This can be due to the heart being damaged by a heart attack, diabetes or high blood pressure. The most common signs are: Trouble breathing. Feeling tired or weak. Swelling in your feet or ankles. Weight gain. There are things you can do to help you stay healthy and feel better. simple steps to help you take charge: Take your medicines. Take care of your health. 1 2 Know the warning signs. 2 CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd 2 Job: CST844 NM1 TCO CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd

3 Step 1: Take your medicines. Take your medicines as your doctor tells you. Some helpful tips: Take your medicines the same time every day. Use a pill box. Plan ahead. Place your medicines so you can see them when it s time to take them. If you think your medicines are causing side effects, tell your doctor. Most likely your doctor can make changes to help you feel better. Know your medicines. It s important to know what drugs you re taking and what they do. Most common types of heart failure medication: Diuretics Get rid of water and salt through your kidneys. ACE Inhibitors Open your blood vessels to make it easier for the heart to pump. Beta-Blockers, Digoxin Make your heart pump harder. Slow your heart down. Most people with heart failure need to take several medicines for best results. CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd

4 Step 2: Take care of your health. Watch how much salt you eat. Eating too much salt can make your body hold water and you may gain weight. This can put an extra stress on your heart and lungs. Ways to cut down on salt: Don t use the salt shaker. DO use spices, herbs, onions and lemon juice. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Keep a daily weight chart. The best way to know if you have extra fluid in your body is to weigh yourself every day. Weight gain due to extra fluid is an early sign that your heart failure is getting worse. A sudden weight gain or a steady rise in your weight is a warning sign. Use a daily chart. It can help you see how diet, fluids and medications affect your weight. 4 CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd 4 Job: CST844 NM1 TCO CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd

5 Get moving every day. Even a little movement every day can help you feel better and breathe easier. Walking can be a very good choice. Try this: Break up your walking into shorter times and try taking two 15-minute walks, instead of one 0-minute walk. Talk to your doctor about how much activity is right for you. Step : Know the warning signs. Call your doctor if you: Gain 2 pounds in one day. Gain 4 5 pounds in five days. Have trouble breathing, especially with moving around or lying down. Feel tired or weak. Have swelling in your feet, ankles and stomach. 5 CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd 5

6 Learn what to do for each zone. Heart failure symptoms can be put into three zones: green, yellow and red. Know what to do if your symptoms get worse. Green Zone Symptoms Breathing is normal NO new or worse swelling NO weight gain in last 24 hours NO chest pain or discomfort NO change in being able to do what you normally do What to do: Your symptoms are under control: Continue taking your medicines as your doctor ordered them Continue weighing yourself Follow a low-salt diet Go to all your doctor visits ALL CLEAR Yellow Zone Symptoms Weight gain of pounds or more in 24 hours Increased cough New or increased swelling Increase in shortness of breath with activity More pillows are needed to be able to sleep Anything else that is unusual for you Contact your doctor. Your symptoms may be telling you the doctor needs to see you and maybe adjust your medicines. BE CAREFUL Red Zone Symptoms Severe shortness of breath Shortness of breath even when resting Chest pain that won t go away Very fast heartbeat with shortness of breath Call your doctor now! If you can t reach your doctor, go to the emergency room or call 911. MEDICAL ALERT 6 CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd 6 Job: CST844 NM1 TCO CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd

7 Things to do today: This list can help you take charge of your heart health. Cut it out and post it where you will see it often. Take your MEDICATIONS. WEIGH yourself every morning. Limit SALT. Eat fruits and vegetables. GET MOVING every day. Look for the WARNING SIGNS. Sudden weight gain - 2 pounds in one day pounds in 5 days Trouble breathing when moving or resting Feeling tired or weak Swelling in feet, ankles, stomach Call your doctor if you have any of these signs. 7 CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd 7

8 Content adapted from: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institutes of Health Senior Health. New Mexico Centennial Care Program Services are funded in part under contract with the State of New Mexico. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Centennial Care is offered by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico, Inc. 517-CST844 1/ UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc. All rights reserved. CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd 8 Job: CST844 NM1 TCO CST844_NM1_TCO_Heart_Failure_Broch.indd