Physical Changes To Report To Your Healthcare Provider For Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) requires you and your caregivers to monitor any changes in symptoms. Notify your doctor right away if you notice something new, or a sudden worsening of a current symptom.

Symptoms To Watch Out For:

1.      Shortness Of Breath- Not related to exercise or exertion, but experiencing shortness of breath while at rest.

2.      Loss Of Appetite.

3.      Increased fatigue or feeling exhausted all the time.

4.      Swelling of or pain in the abdomen.

5.      Frequently dry cough.

6.      Difficulty sleeping

7.      Increased swelling of the lower limbs.

8.      Rapid Weight Gain- It is extremely important for people with heart failure to weigh themselves every day- preferably every morning before breakfast. Consult with your healthcare provider with regards to the amount of weight gain you should report to him or her. Experts recommend weighing yourself daily with the same type of clothes on, without shoes, on the same scale and in the same spot.

9.      Speaking of psychological changes, watch out for feelings of sadness such as depression.

Asking the right questions is the key to making the right decisions that necessitates good communication with your healthcare team. Knowing what questions to ask and understanding what your healthcare provider is saying can not only help you get the most out of your doctor’s visits, but also can help you feel confident that you’re getting the best care. In advanced HF, communication is at the core of shared decision-making enabling you and your doctor to discuss your preferences and goals and which treatments or care options best match those objectives. Tough and informed decisions can be made with an open and honest dialogue between you and your healthcare team.

It’s essential to develop good relationships with all members of your healthcare team if you have heart failure. Be honest to them, and keep them in the loop about symptoms or changes in your condition so that they can help you. Strictly follow their recommendations to manage your condition and have a full, active life.

The main members of your healthcare team are:

1.      The primary care doctor who’s usually a family physician, and is the first contact when medical problems arise. He or she offers your routine preventive healthcare including basic tests and physical exams.

2.      A cardiologist diagnoses and treats problems related to the ticker.

3.      Nurse practitioners and physician assistants may perform tests and provide care, education and counseling.

4.      Other doctors include surgeons and other specialists, who you should get in touch with only if recommended by the primary care doctor or cardiologist.

5.      Dietitians and mental health professionals where the former share heart-healthy eating guidelines and help prepare meal plans, while the latter help patients and families handle emotional stress, anxiety or depression.

6.      Last, but not the least comes the pharmacists who are an excellent resource for information about your medications.

Of course, we cannot forget the fact that YOU are also an important member of the healthcare team. It is your responsibility to follow the instructions of your healthcare team. It’s also up to you to tell them how you're functioning on a daily basis. There’s no denying that with good communication and teamwork you can improve the quality of your life.

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