How to Handle a Heart Failure Flare-Up
How to Handle a Heart Failure Flare-UpNot every day is equal when it comes to heart failure.On some days, even if you’ve been following your heart failure treatment plan carefully, you might experiencenew symptoms, or your existing symptoms might get worse.This is sometimes called a “flare-up.” It means your symptoms have returned and your condition is changing.Flare-ups are common; however, many patients experience flare-ups and then return to their normal heartfailure condition afterward.“The most typical symptoms that patients have with congestive heart failure are typically shortness ofbreath. Sometimes it's just fatigue. Sometimes it's a racing heart. It can be swelling in the legs orabdomen or other signs of volume overload are the more typical things, inability to lie down at night,those types of things.”Other symptoms of a heart failure flare-up include coughing or wheezing, lack of appetite, nausea, rapid weightgain, and confusion.Monitoring your symptoms every day can help identify a flare-up when it happens.You shouldn’t ignore a flare-up. If you don’t take active steps to prevent flare-ups and get treatment when theyoccur, your condition could worsen and require a trip to the hospital.“My symptoms for heart failure show up in regard to fluid retention, being extremely tired, chestdiscomfort, and just basically just not feeling myself or not feeling well.”If you notice an increase in any of your symptoms of heart failure, don’t panic.Call your healthcare provider and let them know what is going on as soon as possible. They can help youmanage the flare-up.If you have flare-ups often it may be a sign that your treatment plan needs to be adjusted. Make anappointment to see your healthcare provider and discuss possible medication changes or a further reduction insodium or fluid intake.A flare-up in your symptoms can be frustrating. Don’t let this emotion get in the way of following your heartfailure treatment plan.Recognize the flare-up, get treatment and take steps to reduce them in the future. By continuing to follow yourtreatment plan, you can reduce the possibility of other flare-ups.Be patient and take it one day at a time. Managing heart failure is an ongoing challenge that you can meetevery day.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10166B EN HowToHandleAHeartFailureFlareUp.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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