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

Symptoms of Heart Failure: When to Call for Help

Heart failure causes many symptoms. Some of them are more serious than others. It is important to recognize when you should call 911 for emergency help and when you should call your doctor or nurse for urgent attention.

The following lists can help you decide what to do when you experience certain symptoms. Print this page and keep it in a convenient spot.

Emergency Symptoms of Heart Failure

Call 911 for emergency help, if you have:

• Chest discomfort or pain that lasts more than 15 minutes that is not relieved with rest or nitroglycerin.
• Severe, persistent shortness of breath.
• Fainted or passed out.

Urgent Symptoms of Heart Failure

Call your doctor immediately, if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Increasing shortness of breath or a new shortness of breath while resting.
• Trouble sleeping due to difficulty breathing. For example, waking up suddenly at night due to difficulty breathing.
• A need to sleep sitting up or on more pillows than usual.
• Fast or irregular heart beats, palpitations, or a "racing heart" that persists and makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Or if you:

• Cough up frothy or pink sputum.
• Feel like you may faint or pass out.