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 Fatigue From Interfering with Your Life Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Other Questions and Answers About Self-Care Learn More About Heart Failure

Following Your Treatment Plan

Your doctor or nurse will develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Your plan may include recommendations to:

• Take your medicines exactly as directed.
• Weigh yourself every day to see if you are retaining fluid.
• Follow a low-sodium diet.
• Monitor your symptoms every day.
• Avoid alcohol or drink sparingly (less than 2-3 standard drinks/week).^*
• Get vaccinations such as flu shots routinely.
• Control your body weight if you are overweight or have diabetes.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Quit smoking cigarettes and cigars if you smoke.
• Learn when to consult your doctor or nurse.
• Make following your treatment plan a permanent part of your life.

^* One standard drink is a drink containing 12 grams of alcohol, which usually means 1 can of beer (12 ounces), 1 glass of wine (4 ounces), and 1 shot glass (1.5 ounces) of spirits. One study suggested that this level of alcohol consumption or less was not associated with adverse effects. However, some physicians and nurses believe that these amounts are too much and recommend that patients with heart failure drink no alcohol.