11972 - Understanding Heart Failure

Importance of patient participation with emphasis on self-care skills to avoid hospitalization: lifestyle changes, symptom tracking, early warning signs and when to contact the provider. Engaging full-color photography helps patients relate and sets a positive tone. And newly rendered anatomical art increases comprehension of heart functions and the disease process. * Describes symptoms, causes, diagnostics * Information about systolic and diastolic HF * Controlling risk factors, dealing with depression * Medical treatments: taking medications, side effects * Monitoring symptoms with a symptom chart * Staying active, cardiac rehabilitation and sexual activity * Reinforced "What you can do" message * 24 pages, full-color photography and enhanced anatomical artwork