Do angina symptoms not respond to prescribed medicine or fail to go away in 10 to 15 minutes?
Does severe shortness of breath (with or without wheezing) occur in a person with heart failure?
Does a person with heart failure have any of these problems?
Unexplained weight gain of 3 to 5 pounds.
Mild shortness of breath and a cough with pink or frothy mucus.
The flu or a cold.
Heart failure symptoms get worse.
Do any of these problems occur?
Chest pain with exertion and the pain goes away with rest.
Shortness of breath or fatigue when doing normal activities or when lying down.
Swelling in the legs or ankles. Shoes can feel too tight all of a sudden.
Self-Care / Prevention
Have regular medical checkups. Get your blood pressure checked at each office visit or at least every 2 years. Get your blood cholesterol tested at least every 5 years (or advised by your doctor).
Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.
Get to or stay at a healthy weight.
Take all medications as prescribed.
Ask your doctor about taking a low dose of aspirin (e.g., 1 baby aspirin) daily.
Watch for signs of diabetes. See your doctor if you have any.
Follow a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Limit sodium to 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day. Follow the DASH Eating Plan.
Get regular exercise. Follow your doctor's advice.
Manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Moderate drinking, may be linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease in some persons. Moderation means no more than 2 drinks a day for men; 1 drink a day for women and persons age 65 and older. One drink = 4 oz. of wine; 12 oz. of beer; or 1-1/2 oz. of 80 proof liquor.
Ask your doctor how much, if any, alcohol you should drink.
Get your doctor's advice about taking vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.