Discharge Instructions for Cardiomyopathy
You have been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. This means that your heart is not functioning normally. Cardiomyopathy 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 doctor can help your heart do its job.
Home Care
Work hard to remove the salt from your diet.
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.
Limit fluid intake as instructed by your doctor.
Be as active as you can. Ask your doctor how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.
Break the smoking habit. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success.
Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses. Don’t stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first.
Visit your doctor regularly. Mention any problems with your treatment plan.
Weigh yourself at the same time each day. Wear the same clothing each time. Keep a written record of your daily weight.
Limit alcohol intake. Too much alcohol is not good for the heart. Doctors advise no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
Weight gain of more than 3 pounds in 24 hours or more than 5 pounds in 1 week(s)
New or increased chest pain that is not relieved by medication
New or increased shortness of breath or coughing
Weakness in the muscles of your face, arms, or legs
Trouble speaking
Rapid pulse or pounding heartbeat
Fainting
New or increased swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles