What to know upon discharge from the hospital: heart failure

So you're being discharged from the hospital. Here's what you should know when you leave in order

to set yourself up for success. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Your discharge plan will be created during your stay at the hospital in concert with your doctor

and the rest of your health care team. This plan will help you to be prepared to stay healthy once you leave the hospital

and help you avoid having to come back. This is not an exhaustive list. Your health care providers will have specific guidance

tailored to your unique needs. But in general, here are some things you'll want your discharge plan to include.

The medical condition you have, any allergies you have, the medicines you should be taking, and how and when to take them.

For those living with heart failure, it's imperative you take the medications you were prescribed exactly how your health care team instructed you

to. You may be taking medications like blood thinners, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins,

or other cholesterol-reducing medications. You should ask about any medications and herbs

you should avoid. You'll want your discharge plan to include where your next stop is. Are you going home or to another facility?

Will you need special assistance like a home health aide? When and where your next appointments

are and contact information for the providers you'll see. Ways to monitor your condition-- for those living with heart

failure, you should weigh yourself each morning, as this can help you determine if you are retaining fluid.

You should ask how to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate and what your target numbers should be so you can track them.

You should also keep track of your level of fatigue and any feelings of shortness of breath. You'll want your discharge plan to include

what problems to look out for and what you should do in case one arises, who you should call

if you have a problem, what physical activities you can do, and ones you should avoid, where you might find

additional information and resources, what special equipment-- if any-- you may need,

what foods you should eat, and ones you should avoid. For those living with heart failure,

limiting your sodium intake is very important as it can increase fluid retention and make the heart work harder.

You should also check to see if you need to limit your fluid intake in any way. You should also avoid drinking alcohol.

If you have a caregiver, you'll want them to also know and understand the ins and outs of your discharge plan.

The same goes with anyone else who might be helping you after your discharge. Following your discharge plan will

help you stay healthy and, hopefully, avoid having to come back to the hospital. [AUDIO LOGO]