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What should I track at home?

How do I monitor my weight?

To get an accurate assessment of your fluid level, you need to know your dry weight. This is a baseline measurement of what you weigh without excess fluid accumulation. If youve recently been in the hospital, your weight when you were discharged is likely to be your dry weight. (Excess fluid buildup would have been treated during your hospital stay.) Otherwise, ask your provider what you should use as your dry weight. Daily…

What should my blood pressure be?

In people with heart failure, blood pressure is a balancing act. On the one hand, high blood pressure forces the already-overworked heart to work even harder. The increased effort your heart muscle must make to pump against constricted blood vessels can further weaken your heart over time. …

Does it matter which arm I use when measuring my blood pressure?

For most people it doesnt matter which arm you use to measure your blood pressure. Choose the side thats more comfortable for you. If you are right handed, it will probably be easier to measure your blood pressure in your left arm, leaving your right hand free to adjust the cuff and handle the equipment. …

How do I monitor my blood pressure at home?

To begin, youll need a blood pressure monitor. There are dozens of models on the market. But for best accuracy and ease of use, buy a validated monitor. In order for a monitor to be validated, it must meet a series of testing standards to ensure accuracy. …

What specifically should I look for in a home blood pressure monitor?

Select an automatic home blood pressure monitor that is capable of measuring your heart rate. An automatic device measures your blood pressure with the push of a button (no need to manually pump the cuff to inflate it). Second, get a cuff that will fit over your upper arm-not on your wrist and not on your finger. …

Why do I need to measure my heart rate?

A change in your heart rate can be a sign of worsening heart failure. A faster heart rate, for example, may mean that your heart is pumping faster to compensate for a loss in pumping capacity. Certain heart failure medications can also affect heart rate. An increase in your heart rate or a heart rate that is too slow may indicate that your medication dose needs adjustment. …

How do I measure my heart rate?

Many automated blood pressure cuffs also measure heart rate. If you wish to check your heart rate by hand, do the following: Put two fingers on your wrist below the thumb. Move them around until you locate the pulse in the artery supplying the hand and press gently. When you can feel it, look at a clock or watch and count the number of beats in a 30 second period. Multiply…

Why do I need to monitor my weight?

Rapid weight gain means your body is holding on to extra fluid. This is a red flag that your heart failure is getting worse. If allowed to progress unchecked, fluid buildup can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation. The good news is that you can tell if youre retaining fluid by getting on the scale every morning. Keeping a close eye on your weight can help you recognize a problem early and prevent…

Why do I need to monitor my blood pressure at home?

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart failure, and high blood pressure can worsen existing heart failure. Many drugs used to treat heart failure are also used to treat high blood pressure, increasing the risk that your blood pressure may fall too low. Your home blood pressure measurements can provide valuable information about your condition and your response to treatment. It can also help your provider fine tune your treatment…

How do I monitor my blood pressure and heart rate at home?

To begin, youll need a blood pressure monitor capable of tracking your heart rate. There are dozens of models on the market. But for best accuracy and ease of use, buy a validated monitor. In order for a monitor to be validated, it must meet a series of testing standards to ensure accuracy. The monitor should have a cuff for the upper arm (not the wrist or finger) that automatically inflates. If possible, purchase…