Heart failure is a serious illness, but with the right treatment and careful management, you can control your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Monitoring heart failure
Heart failure
Subtle changes in health may mean problems.
Learn what to monitor.
If you have heart failure, it's important to track even small changes in symptoms. They could mean your condition is getting worse—or your medications aren't working properly. Select to learn what health factors should be on your checklist—and ask your doctor if there are others you should be aware of.
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Mental health:
Ask your loved ones to keep an eye out for any confusion, lapses in memory, depression or other changes in mental health.
Sleep:
Check in with your quality of sleep. Are you having trouble staying asleep? Are you using extra pillows to prop your head up? Do you feel tired throughout the day?
Breathing:
Monitor any difficulty with breathing—such as shortness of breath or a dry, hacking cough. Is it worse than usual?
Heart rate:
Know what your normal heart rate is, and check it regularly. Be aware of heart palpitations, which may feel like your heart is racing or throbbing.
Blood pressure:
Monitor your blood pressure to see if it is higher or lower than normal.
Appetite:
Take note if you lose your appetite or feel nauseated.
Weight:
Weigh yourself at the same time every morning: before breakfast and after using the bathroom. Stay aware of any sudden changes in weight, especially if you've gained 2 or 3 pounds within 24 hours.
Swelling:
Check your feet, ankles and legs for swelling. Be aware of any discomfort in your abdomen too.
When to seek help
Work with your doctor. In addition to self-monitoring, it's important to see your doctor regularly—at least every 3 to 6 months—for follow-up and testing. During these visits, ask what symptoms are important for you to track. Also ask when a change in health may constitute an emergency.
Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health
Sources
- American Heart Association. “Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms.” https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure.
- American Heart Association. “Managing Heart Failure Symptoms.” https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure/managing-heart-failure-symptoms.
- American Heart Association. “Physical Changes to Report to Heart Failure.” https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/living-with-heart-failure-and-managing-advanced-hf/physical-changes-to-report-for-heart-failure.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “What Is Heart Failure?” https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-failure.
Our heart failure services
The dedicated care teams at the Mercyhealth Heart Failure Clinics use advanced testing, specialized treatments, and individualized support and education to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our staff works closely with your primary care provider to keep them fully apprised of your progress.
How to get started
After the Mercyhealth Heart Failure Clinic team has received your referral to our program from your doctor, a team member will contact you to schedule your first appointment.
At the appointment, we discuss your health history and any concerns you and your family members have. We then work together to create an individualized treatment and education plan.
Additional appointments will be scheduled as needed to help you manage your condition. We will continue to provide you with follow-up care as long as you need it. Our goal is to help you live well with heart failure.
With the right care, heart failure will not stop you from doing the things you enjoy. Your outlook for the future will depend on how well your heart muscle is functioning, your symptoms, and how well you respond to and follow your treatment plan. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms and help your heart work as efficiently as possible.
Learn more
To learn more about these services, call the heart and vascular center nearest you.