On this page
Weigh yourself every day
Weigh yourself each morning after going to the toilet and before breakfast. Contact your team if you gain 2kg (about 4 pounds) in 3 days, or as your plan says.
Salt and fluids
- eat less salt
- follow any advice about how much to drink. Some people are asked to limit fluids
Stay active
Regular, gentle exercise helps. Cardiac rehabilitation will help you build up safely.
Look after yourself
- have the flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines
- stop smoking and cut down on alcohol
- check with a pharmacist before taking new medicines. Some, such as ibuprofen, can make heart failure worse
Your feelings
Anxiety and low mood are common. Talk to your team, your GP or a support group.
Support
The British Heart Foundation and the Pumping Marvellous Foundation support people with heart failure.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.