Study note
MedicineCardiology

General measures in heart failure

THE CONTEXT
Supportive management of heart failure includes education, dietary measures, lifestyle changes and consideration of vaccination.

Education and diet

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Explain the nature of heart failure, its treatment and self-help strategies.
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Encourage good general nutrition and weight reduction in patients with obesity.
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Advise avoidance of high-salt foods and added salt, especially in severe congestive heart failure.

Lifestyle and prevention

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Minimise or eliminate alcohol consumption; alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy requires abstinence.
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Advise smoking cessation.
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Encourage regular moderate aerobic exercise within the limits of symptoms.
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Consider influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccination.
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