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Heart Failure Daily Action Plan

Heart Failure Daily Action Plan

Overview

A heart failure action plan gives you an easy way to check your symptoms and see changes. The plan also tells you when you need to get help. Your doctor may give you a plan, or you might create one together.

You'll use your plan every day. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when symptoms mean you should call your doctor or when you need to call for emergency help instead.

Keep a written copy of your plan where it's easy to find so you can see what to do if you notice a change. Share this plan with other people who can help you check for symptom changes and make decisions.

Heart failure zones

Your plan might use heart failure zones to help you check your symptoms and know what to do. Often, these types of plans are called zone checks, because they divide symptoms into three zones.

  • The green zone means you're doing well. This is where you want to be. For example, your weight isn't changing, and you can breathe easily.
  • The yellow zone means you need to call your doctor. You have new symptoms, or your symptoms have changed. For example, you might have more shortness of breath.
  • The red zone means that you need to call 911 and get help right away. You have emergency symptoms, like severe trouble breathing.

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Information about Heart Failure Daily Action Plan

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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