Please provide some do's and don'ts on living with cardiomyopathy.

Ignore: Minimize salt intake and keep appointments with cardiologist and take medications regularly.

Ignore: Do get an understanding of your cardiomyopathy from your dr., don't fail to do this.

Ignore: To live with cardiomyopathy you should watch your salt intake very carefully. Take c0-q-10 daily.

Ignore: Watch salt intake and fluid intake and chew on ice to help Quincy thirst.

Ignore: Need regular walking exercise daily -- avoid strenuous activity -- low salt diet and adequate rest.

Ignore: If you're waking up a few hours after falling asleep because of shortness of breath, notify your MD.

Ignore: Take your meds and call your cardiologist with any change in your symptoms or new symptoms.

Weigh: Weigh yourself first thing every morning and record to document any water weight gain.

Ignore: Many people with a cardiomyopathy should have a deribrillator implanted for protection.

Understand: Understand how each medication helps your heart and its possible side effects.

Keep: Keep a medication list in your wallet and bring your medications to your appointments.

Ask: Ask for generic medications (and a plan from your pharmacy), a 90-day supply, & one-year of refills.

Talk: Talk to your medical team before stopping any medication or if you notice side-effects.

Keep: Keep regular medical follow-up visits and expect regular blood tests.

Take: Take your medicines as prescribed. This gives them the best chance of helping you.

Limit: Limit salt (sodium). This helps keep fluid from building up, making it easier for the heart to pump.

Try: Try to exercise regularly. Exercise makes your heart stronger and can help you avoid symptoms.

Ignore: Weigh yourself daily and track it. Do not run out of medications. Follow dietary restrictions.

Ignore: Consume low sodium, fluid restricted diet. Exercise regularly. Avoid alcohol. Compliance with meds.

Ignore: Live within the physical capabilities of your heart. Your doctor will help you determine this.

When: When dealing with chronic congestive heart failure, weigh yourself daily to ensure good control.

Weigh: Weigh yourself daily and maintain a log of your weights.

Ignore: Weigh daily at the same time, with no clothing, let your doctor know if you gain 2 lbs in 24 hours.