Heart failure advice during COVID-19

• People living with heart failure are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19
• Social distancing/isolation is advised by Public Health England for the over 70’s and those in the vulnerable group. If you have heart failure you are considered vulnerable
• It is important to reduce the significant risk to you by minimising face to face interaction with hospitals, GPs and other health care professionals
• Please take care of your general wellbeing by eating and drinking well, exercising as you would usually within your home and taking your prescribed medication
• If you require any support or advice with regards to your management, please contact us

Green – monitor your symptoms

• No changes in your breathing
• No changes in leg swelling
• Weight stable
• You are as active as usual

Continue to weigh daily, take medications as prescribed

Amber – contact your heart failure nurse or GP for advice if symptoms persist

IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEEK HELP TO AVOID DETERIORATION AND POSSIBLE ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL WHERE RISK OF COVID-19 IS GREATER

•  Breathing is more difficult than usual and worsens on lying down/wakes you in night
• Legs increasingly swollen
• Weight has increased 4lbs/2kg over 2-3 days
• Your heart medication has been changed and your heart failure team are not aware

Continue to weigh daily, take prescribed medications, follow advice given from specialist team regards altering medications and ensure you have any requested blood tests

Red – contact your heart failure nurse/GP/111- dial 999 if you feel very unwell

• New onset chest pain – not relieved by GTN
• Persistent rapid heart racing/palpitation
• Difficulty breathing whilst resting
• Severe leg/abdominal swelling
• You have had a blackout

 

Credit: Imperial College Healthcare