Acute heart failure

Patients should be advised on measures to prevent further episodes:

• Fluid intake restricted to 1 to 1.5 L a day.

• Salt intake restricted: 1 teaspoon of salt equals 2.2 g of sodium. Therefore, patients are advised not to exceed 1 teaspoon of salt a day. They should lower salt intake as much as possible, ideally to 65 mmol/day of sodium (corresponding to 1.5 g/day of sodium).

• Alcohol intake limited to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day or less for women.

• Importance of continuing medication as prescribed by a doctor should be stressed.

• Weight should be checked daily.

If patients notice more than 2 pounds weight gain in 24 hours, 2 days in a row, or develop symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, increased tiredness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or increasing swelling of the legs or abdomen, they should seek medical attention.