Learning About Heart Failure Zones

What are heart failure zones?

Heart failure zones give you an easy way to see changes in your heart failure symptoms. They also tell you when you need to get help. Check every day to see which zone you are in.

Green zone. You are doing well. This is where you want to be.

• Your weight is stable. It's not going up or down.
• You breathe easily.
• You are sleeping well. You are able to lie flat without shortness of breath.
• You can do your usual activities.

Yellow zone. Be careful. Your symptoms are changing. Call your doctor.

• You have new or increased shortness of breath.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week. (Your doctor may suggest a different range of weight gain.)
• You have increased swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
• You are so tired or weak that you can't do your usual activities.
• You are not sleeping well. Shortness of breath wakes you up at night. You need extra pillows.

Red zone. This is an emergency. Call 911.

You have symptoms of sudden heart failure. For example:

• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You cough up pink, foamy mucus.
• You have a new irregular or fast heartbeat.

You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:

• Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
• Sweating.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
• Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
• A fast or irregular heartbeat.

If you have symptoms of a heart attack: After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.