Using a heart failure app can help you better manage your heart failure by:
- reminding you to monitor your symptoms, eg, your weight and checking your legs for swelling
- reminding you to take your medicines
- providing information on a low-salt diet
- reminding you about your healthcare provider appointments
- providing information on safe exercises.
How to use heart failure apps safely
Do (✔)
- Always use heart failure apps under the supervision of a healthcare provider so they can guide you on whether the app is suitable for your needs and can direct you to appropriate treatment options for your condition.
- Use an app to keep track of your symptoms as part of your management plan.
- Use graphs and reporting for a discussion with your healthcare provider.
- Be careful when reading information on discussion boards or group chat rooms. Some apps have interactive features where users can share their experiences. Be cautious because in most cases these aren't monitored by a health professional so the advice or suggestions may not be safe or effective.
- Know when to seek help. Talk to your healthcare provider about a heart failure action plan. Here's an example of a heart failure action plan(external link) from the Heart Foundation NZ.
Don’t (✘)
- Rely on apps to make a diagnosis of your condition.
- Make changes to your medicines based on the recommendations from the app.
- Use treatments without first seeking medical and professional advice.
