iSavta | 19.04.2021

The heart is one of the most important organs of the body. Once it’s damaged, your body will require you to adapt a handful of healthy habits and daily routines. 

 

Though heart attack may be scary and requires a constant cardiologist’s care, it doesn’t mean you, as a Caregiver cannot do anything on your end to make sure your patient is on top of his/her health.

 

Follow these 5 tips on how you can take care of your patient with heart failure:

 

1. Monitor Blood Pressure

 

It is important to keep track of your patient’s blood pressure by using a home blood pressure machine. You can easily buy these from medical shops or drug stores everywhere. High blood pressure can put a strain on your heart that may weaken the muscles which will result in the inefficacy of your heart to do its vital role for your body. Your doctor would want to see these records as well to determine the best course of action to maintain your patient’s blood pressure level.

 

1. Less Salt Intake

 

Nutrition is also one of the main things that you need to watch out for. Prepare food with less sodium. Avoid processed and junk foods like potato chips, instant noodles, marinated meat, salted butter, etc. Salt can increase blood pressure significantly and fluid may build up in your body and worsen your condition.

 

1. Let Your Patient Take His/Her Medication as Directed

 

The doctor will prescribe a number of heart failure medications to your patient. Make sure that everything is taken on time and as directed. You may set up reminders on your phone or sticky notes on your fridge. Taking medications is crucial to ensure your patient’s safety.

 

1. Limit Liquid Intake

 

Because too much water can cause an increase in blood pressure, you should limit your patient’s water or liquid intake per day. Liquid includes not just water but also soup, juice, tea, coffee, watery fruits such as watermelon and even ice cream. Be careful though as too much liquid restriction can cause dehydration which is not a good condition either. Talk to the health professional about the exact measurement of water allowed for your patient.

 

1. Proper Clothing

 

Tight clothing is not advisable for people with heart failure. Avoid wearing socks with very tight bands at the top. This may restrict a normal blood flow which later on might cause a blood clot in your leg. During winter, make sure your patient is covered up and feels warm enough. A decrease in temperature may cause problems with patients with heart failure.

Taking care of your patient with heart failure must be a top priority. Though there will be some adjustments with your Caregiving routine, these steps and tips will be able to help you to be prepared for whatever clinical emergency you’ll have with your patient.