Discharge Instructions for Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy means that your heart is not working as it normally should. This condition can make it more difficult to do things that may have been easy for you in the past. But with proper treatment and some lifestyle changes, you and your healthcare provider can help your heart do its job.

Home care

Work hard to remove the salt from your diet. Here are tips:

• Limit canned, dried, packaged, and fast foods.

• Don’t add salt to your food at the table.

• Season foods with herbs instead of salt when you cook.

• When you eat out, ask that the chef not add any salt to your dish.

• Don't eat fried or greasy foods.

• Be careful of bottled beverages. They can contain a lot of salt.

Also check the labels of over-the-counter medicines and supplements. They may be high in sodium. Ask your pharmacist or provider if you need help finding a low-salt product.

Be as active as you can. Ask your healthcare provider how to get started:

• Simple activities such as walking or gardening can help.

• Find activities you enjoy and make them a priority.

• Cardiac rehabilitation programs can help you reach your activity goals. You exercise while staff closely watches the stress on your heart. These programs may be covered by insurance.

Other tips for home care:

• Limit how much fluid you have each day. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much is safe.

• Break the smoking habit. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success. Join smoking cessation support groups or ask your healthcare provider about nicotine replacement products.

• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses. Don’t stop taking your medicines without talking to your healthcare provider first.

• Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements can increase your heart rate or blood pressure. This can put extra stress on your heart. Check with your pharmacist to see if products are heart-safe and won't interact with other medicines you take.

• Visit your healthcare provider regularly. Mention any problems with your treatment plan. Together you can find a plan that works for you.

• Weigh yourself at the same time each day. The best time is in the morning after you wake up and after urinating. Wear the same clothing each time. Keep a written record of your daily weight.

• Limit how much alcohol you drink. Too much alcohol isn't good for the heart. Healthcare providers advise no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.