6957 W. Plano Parkway
Suite 1000
Plano, TX 75093
Phone: (972) 939-8294
www.heartfirst.md
Click Here for office hours & Directions

Heart Failure - What You Should Know

by Carol Bjorkman, FNP

What thoughts go through your mind when you hear these words? Has my heart stopped working? How much longer do I have to live?

Being diagnosed with heart failure does not mean you cannot live a long and full life. One thing it does mean is that you need to play an active role in taking care of yourself. With treatment (that's our part) and lifestyle changes (that's your part) you can make your heart's workload easier and help yourself feel better.

Read more

The Lifestyle Quiz

This quiz will help you and your healthcare provider see where you can make some lifestyle changes. Directions: For each topic, pick the statement that best reflects you:

• Diet
  • I eat a lot of prepared foods, fast food, or takeout meals.
  • I don't really think about what I eat. I sometimes skip meals, or eat whatever's around.
  • I eat regular meals, but rarely get 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.
  • I eat regular meals with at least 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

• Weight
  • I am more than 25 pounds over my healthy weight.
  • I am 10-25 pounds over my healthy weight.
  • I am more than 10 pounds over my healthy weight.
  • I am at or under my healthy weight.

• Smoking
  • I smoke.
  • I used to smoke, but quit recently.
  • I haven't smoked in more than a year.
  • I don't smoke and never have.

• Physical Activity
  • I don't exercise.
  • I exercise when I remember, but not regularly.
  • I don't go to the gym, but I walk my dog every night.
  • I do aerobic exercise at least 4 times a week.

• Stress
  • When I'm stressed, I have alcohol or a cigarette to help me relax.
  • Chocolate, ice cream, or other treats help me feel better when I'm stressed.
  • When I'm stressed, I just try to get through it.
  • When I'm stressed, I take a walk or go to the gym.

• Alcohol
  • I have a couple of drinks a couple of nights a week.
  • I only drink alcohol on weekends, but then I'll have a couple of drinks.
  • I have a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail every day.
  • I don not drink alcohol or drink it only rarely.

To get your score:

I answered "a" _____ times X 5 = _____ points

I answered "b" _____ times X 4 = _____ points

I answered "c" _____ times X 2 = _____ points

I answered "d" _____ times X 1 = _____ points

                                                       ________ = TOTAL POINTS

Learn about your quiz results.