Module 4 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction Taking Charge of Heart Failure Following Your Treatment Plan Barriers to Following Your Treatment Plan Overcoming Barriers to Treatment Tips for Taking All of Your Medicines as Prescribed Tips for Exercising Regularly Tips for Following Your Diet Other Tips for Following Your Treatment Plan Managing Your Symptoms Urgent Symptoms: When to Call Your Doctor of Nurse Early Symptoms of Heart Failure Tracking Your Symptoms Monitor Your Weight and Body Swelling Daily Download a Weight Chart in PDF Format Treat Weight Gain and Swelling Right Away Prevent Faituge From Interfering with Your Life Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Other Questions and Answers About Self-Care Learn More About Heart Failure

Prevent Fatigue from Interfering with Your Life

Fatigue is a common problem for patients with heart failure. You may be surprised to learn that the best treatment for fatigue is physical activity. Refer to the tips for being physically active earlier in this module or see Module 5: Exercise and Activity. (Planned release date: February 2003)

Sometimes fatigue is an early symptom of worsening heart failure. Call your doctor or nurse for overwhelming and increasing fatigue.

If fatigue continues, try these tips:

• Plan for adequate sleep and rest periods.
• Group similar activities such as carrying items up stairs.
• Use energy saving ways of doing your usual activities:
• Do not try to do too much at one time. Schedule things at varying times throughout the day, so you can alternate periods of activity and rest.
• Ask your family and friends for help.
• Sit while you are taking a shower or doing other grooming activities.
• Wear clothes with zippers and front openings to decrease the effort of dressing.