Heart failure: daily monitoring and care
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped. Monitoring symptoms, using medicines safely and knowing whom to contact if things worsen are important parts of care.
Preview draft: clinical content and translations await hospital review.
How does heart failure develop?
The heart’s filling or pumping function may not meet the body’s needs. Causes can include coronary disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and valve disease. Heart failure may develop suddenly or over time; its type and cause influence treatment.
Symptoms and investigations
Breathlessness with activity or lying down, fatigue, ankle swelling and weight gain can occur. A clinician selects investigations such as examination, ECG, blood tests and echocardiography, an ultrasound of the heart. A single percentage in a report does not describe the whole condition or life expectancy; findings are assessed together.
Treatment aims and follow-up
Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and manage the risk of deterioration. Medicines, suitable activity and nutrition, and devices or procedures for some people may be considered together. Ask what each medicine is for and when kidney function and mineral levels need checking. Do not change doses yourself if you notice side effects or think treatment is not helping.
Your monitoring plan at home
- Agree how often to check your weight and which changes to report. Record changes in swelling and breathlessness.
- Individualise salt and fluid advice; one litre target does not suit everyone. Ask before starting a new painkiller or supplement.
- Discuss daily activity and returning to work. Include anxiety, sleep problems and the burden of care in the conversation.
- Keep your medicine list, review date and contact numbers for worsening symptoms accessible.
Do not delay with worsening symptoms
Call 112 for sudden or severe breathlessness, chest pain or fainting. Contact the care team promptly for new or worsening swelling, rapid weight gain or breathlessness with less effort; do not wait for routine review. Do not independently take extra diuretics; follow only your prescribed personal plan.
Information sources
These sources support general information; they do not confirm our hospital’s services or clinical approval.
This information is general and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your own situation with your healthcare team.
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