6.5 million Americans have heart failure.
1 in 4 patients will be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged.

The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) is helping patients keep their hearts at home.

Of the 6.5 million people living with heart failure, many of them will be readmitted to the hospital during the fragile 30-day period after being discharged. AAHFN is encouraging nurses and healthcare providers to take the time to teach and help keep your patients hearts at home.

For the nurse and the caregiver:

Take time to teach your patients and loved ones. Communicate the importance of staying healthy at home. Did you know that approximately 60% of heart failure patients will be readmitted to the hospital because they don't take their medications as prescribed? Make sure your patients understand the importance of sticking to scheduled doctor appointments and properly taking medications.

Are your patients practicing symptom recognition? Help them understand what they are feeling and what they may feel after being discharged; communicate the importance of keeping a log of symptoms and help them know who to call, and when.

Did you know that proper patient and caregiver education can help prevent early readmission by up to 25%?
Take time to teach and help keep hearts at home.

For the patient:

Know the facts on your snacks! Adjust your diet so that you are eating items that are low in fat, sodium and cholesterol and limit your caffeine intake no more than one cup of coffee per day.

An important part of staying healthy and keeping your heart at home is being able to manage stress meditation can be medication! Allow yourself time to relax. This also means making sure that you are getting enough sleep at night. Avoid eating big meals right before bed to help make sure you get the rest you need and deserve!

Continue to visit www.aahfn.org for additional information on this year-long program.

For additional patient education resources visit: http://aahfn.org/page/patiented

Patient Infographic Click on image to download & print	HF Awareness Poster Click on image to download & print

Health Tips

Sponsors of AAHFN's Heart Failure Awareness Week include: