Management

Heart Failure Zones: Your Action Plan

Choose a preferred language

Having heart failure means watching for symptoms each day. This sheet will help you assess your heart health daily. It tells you when you’re OK or need to get help. You will need to:

  • Weigh yourself daily. Write down the number in a log.

  • Check your body for swelling.

  • Take note of how you feel each day when breathing.

Your healthcare provider: _________________________________

Their phone number: ___________________________________

Your target weight: _________


If you feel this way:

  • Have no trouble breathing

  • Have no chest pressure or pain

  • Have a stable weight

  • Have no change in swelling of feet, ankles, legs, belly

  • You feel OK when active


Do this:

Keep managing your heart health well.


If you have these symptoms:

  • Hard to breathe when lying down

  • Need to sleep in a chair or with extra pillows

  • Hard to breathe when active

  • Feeling very tired

  • Trouble doing daily activities

  • Dry, hacking cough

  • Weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds or more in 1 day

  • Weight gain or loss of 5 pounds in 1 week

  • New or worse swelling in feet, ankles, legs, or belly


Do this:

Call your healthcare provider now. You may need to take extra medicine or visit their office.


If you have these symptoms:

  • Hard to breathe at rest

  • More trouble sleeping or can't lie flat

  • Loss of appetite

  • Frequent, dry, hacking cough

  • Increased discomfort or swelling in the lower body

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

  • Chest pressure or pain

  • New or worse confusion, dizziness, sadness, or depression

  • Can’t stay alert or awake

  • Fainting or passing out


Do this:

Call 911 or go to the emergency room now. You need care right away.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Heart Health
Intimacy and Heart Disease: Your Emotions

If you recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, you may be worried about your love life. This is normal during an illness. But know that you can still enjoy sex. Here is information that can help you understand your feelings. It can also help you work with your partner to rebuild intimacy and enjoy sex again.

Read article
Heart Health
Heart Failure: Dealing With Sleep Problems

Many people with heart failure have sleep apnea. This is a condition that causes snoring and short periods of not breathing.

Read article
Heart Health
Lifestyle Management After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

After percutaneous coronary intervention, or angioplasty, making lifestyle changes is an important part of your recovery.

Read article
Heart Health
Coping with Heart Failure

When you're living with heart failure, it's normal to feel sad or down at times. Here are some tips to help you feel better and get the help you need.