Heart Failure Action Plan

What is Heart Failure Action Plan

Heart failure action plan helps you understand what to do when you have symptoms of heart failure. Follow the plan that was created by you and your health care provider. Review your plan each time you visit your health care provider.

Red zone

These signs and symptoms mean you should get medical help right away:

  • You have trouble breathing when resting.
  • You have a dry cough that is getting worse.
  • You have swelling or pain in your legs or abdomen that is getting worse.
  • You suddenly gain more than 2–3 lb (0.9–1.4 kg) in a day, or more than 5 lb (2.3 kg) in one week. This amount may be more or less depending on your condition.
  • You have trouble staying awake or you feel confused.
  • You have chest pain.
  • You do not have an appetite.
  • You pass out.

If you experience any of these symptoms:

  • Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.) right away or seek help at the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

Yellow zone

These signs and symptoms mean your condition may be getting worse and you should make some changes:

  • You have trouble breathing when you are active or you need to sleep with extra pillows.
  • You have swelling in your legs or abdomen.
  • You gain 2–3 lb (0.9–1.4 kg) in one day, or 5 lb (2.3 kg) in one week. This amount may be more or less depending on your condition.
  • You get tired easily.
  • You have trouble sleeping.
  • You have a dry cough.

If you experience any of these symptoms:

  • Contact your health care provider within the next day.
  • Your health care provider may adjust your medicines.

Green zone

These signs mean you are doing well and can continue what you are doing:

  • You do not have shortness of breath.
  • You have very little swelling or no new swelling.
  • Your weight is stable (no gain or loss).
  • You have a normal activity level.
  • You do not have chest pain or any other new symptoms.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Weigh yourself daily. Your target weight is __________ lb (__________ kg).
    • Call your health care provider if you gain more than __________ lb (__________ kg) in a day, or more than __________ lb (__________ kg) in one week.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet. Work with a diet and nutrition specialist (dietitian) to create an eating plan that is best for you.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Where to find more information

Summary

  • Follow the action plan that was created by you and your health care provider.
  • Get help right away if you have any symptoms in the Red zone.
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