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Health Management Guide for Heart Failure

Heart failure happens when the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood, leaving the organs and tissues with insufficient oxygen and nutrients to function properly.

Nutrition Guide

Restrict fluid intake to less than one litre per day.

This includes all beverages, fruits, soup, porridge and jelly etc.

Limit salt intake to less than one level teaspoon or less than 2g a day.
Avoid processed and canned food.
Do not add gravy/sauces to your food.

Medication Guide

Do not stop taking your medications even if you feel well.
It is common for your doctor to increase the dose even if you feel better because most medicines work best at certain doses.

Exercise Guide

Exercise at your own tolerance level.
Start with short periods of easy activity, then gradually increase as tolerated.
Aim to exercise at least three times a week, 30 minutes each time.
Stop physical activity immediately if you develop worsening chest discomfort or shortness of breath.

Weight Guide

Monitor your weight daily by weighing yourself every morning (after passing urine and before breakfast).
Record your weight on a calendar
Look out for sudden weight gain of more than 2kg over three days. You can increase Furosemide medication (used to reduce extra fluid in the body) as guided by your doctor.

Contact your heart failure team or seek medical advice within 24 hours if you experience:

Sudden weight gain of more than 2kg over three days
Increased breathing difficulty with activity or when lying down
Increased swelling of abdomen, ankles, feet or legs
Loss of appetite with bloatedness

Call ambulance (995) or proceed to nearest Emergency Department immediately if any of the following occurs:

Sudden or severe shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Fainting or severe giddiness
Unwell

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Follow up appointment(s) with your Cardiologist as scheduled.
For any change of appointment(s), please contact NHCS Appointment Hotline at 6704 2000 or email to [email protected]. You may also manage your appointment(s) on-line via SingHealth Health Buddy App.

Learn more of our patient education information:

The content provided is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice of your healthcare professionals.