What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing at rest, chest pressure, fainting, or new confusion with severe illness. Do not drive yourself.
Contact your care team
Contact your care team promptly for increasing swelling, rapid weight change, worsening breathlessness, or needing more pillows to breathe comfortably.
Keep your care plan
Keep your treatment and follow-up plan. Bring questions, readings, and your medication list.
SECTION 5
Living well with heart failure
Heart failure usually requires ongoing care, even when you feel better. Taking your medications, monitoring symptoms, and staying connected with your care team can help you remain active and reduce hospital visits.
Check your weight each morning
Weigh yourself after using the bathroom and before breakfast. Use the same scale and similar clothing, and record the result.
A sudden increase may mean you are retaining fluid. A common reason to call your care team is gaining 2–3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week. Follow the specific threshold your doctor gives you.
Watch for changes in symptoms
Contact your care team promptly if you notice:
- Increasing shortness of breath.
- More swelling in your legs or abdomen.
- Needing extra pillows to breathe comfortably.
- Waking up breathless.
- Increasing fatigue or difficulty with usual activities.
Do not wait until your next appointment to report worsening symptoms.
Take medications consistently
Take each medication as prescribed. An improved EF does not mean you should stop treatment.
Report side effects, dizziness, difficulty paying for medications, or trouble following the schedule. Your team can help adjust your plan. Change your water-pill dose only according to instructions from your care team.
Follow your salt and fluid plan
Excess salt can worsen fluid retention. Choose lower-sodium foods and check labels, especially on packaged foods.
Your doctor will tell you whether you need a daily fluid limit. The right amount of fluid differs between patients.
Stay active safely
Once your condition is stable, regular activity can support stamina and quality of life. Ask about an exercise plan and whether you qualify for cardiac rehabilitation.
Balance activity with rest, and discuss the activities you enjoy with your doctor.
Keep follow-up appointments
Your care team may adjust medications and arrange blood tests or repeat heart imaging. Continue scheduled device checks if you have an ICD or CRT device.
Heart failure can also affect your emotional well-being. Tell your team if you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed—support is part of your care.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.