Patient journey guide
Living well with heart failure.
A practical guide to daily self-care, warning signs, and when to seek help.
Last reviewed: January 2025. Pending clinical review by Dr. Loccoh or Dr. Marinacci.
This guide is general health education, not medical advice. It does not replace care from your own provider. If you have questions about your health or your medications, talk to your provider. In an emergency, call 911.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped, it means your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. With the right care, many people live full, active lives.
Common causes
- Coronary artery disease and prior heart attack
- High blood pressure over many years
- Diabetes
- Heart valve problems
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
Warning signs to watch for
Call your provider
- Weight gain of 2–3 lbs in a day or 5 lbs in a week
- New or worse shortness of breath with usual activity
- Swelling in feet, ankles, or belly
- More tired than usual
- Dry cough that won’t go away
Call 911 or go to the ER
This guide is general health education, not medical advice. It does not replace care from your own provider. If you have questions about your health or your medications, talk to your provider. In an emergency, call 911.
- Severe shortness of breath, especially at rest
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fainting or severe weakness
- Coughing up pink, frothy mucus
- Fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness
Daily self-care
Weigh yourself every morning
- Same scale, same time, after using the bathroom, before eating
- Write it down. Sudden gain = extra fluid.
Take medications as prescribed
- Use a pill organizer or phone reminders
- Don’t skip doses, even if you feel fine
- Refill before you run out
Watch sodium and fluids
- Aim for <2,000 mg sodium per day
- Read labels, “low sodium” means <140 mg per serving
- Follow your provider’s fluid limit, if any
Move every day
- Walking is one of the best activities
- Start slow, build up gradually
- Stop and rest if you feel short of breath or dizzy
Free support at HGF
Our Community Health Workers help you stay on top of weights, medications, and appointments. Free to the participant.