The 4d's of Managing Heart Failure

Diet
• 2,000 mg/2 gm low sodium diet
• Restrict fluids to 6-8 8oz glasses a day
• Limit alcohol intake or cut out alcohol altogether
• Select items low in salt when dining out

Drugs
• Know your medications, dosages, and side effects
•  B = BETA BLOCKER
  (Coreg, Lopressor)
•  A = ACE INHIBITOR
  (Zestril, Vasotec, Capoten)
•  A = ANGIOTENSION II RECEPTOR BLOCKERS
  (Cozaar, Losartan)
•  D = DIURETIC
  (Lasix, Bumex, Aldactone, Zaroxlyn)
•  D = DIGOXIN
  (Lanoxin)
• Do not run out of your medications
• Take your medications only as directed

Do's
• Know the symptoms of increasing heart failure
• Swelling 
• "Racing" heart
• Fatigue 
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath 
• Coughing
• Unable to breathe lying flat Call your physician and/or Heart Failure Center if any of the   above symptoms occur
• Do weigh yourself every day at the same time in the same clothes
• A 2-5 lb. weight gain can signal a problem
• Do exercise in moderation based on your doctor's recommendations for you

Don'ts
• Don't SMOKE
• Don't run out of your medications
• Don't eat foods high in salt or add salt to foods
• Don't wait to call your doctor or the Heart Failure Center nurse when you notice increasing    symptoms
• Don't overexert yourself; instead, take frequent rest breaks

Return to top