Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Color Zones Associated with Clinical Manifestations of Heart Failure

Question 1

Green Zone: Signs and Symptoms

Answer 1

No

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling
• Weight gain
• Chest pain
• Decrease in ability to maintain activity level

Question 2

Green Zone: Recommendations

Answer 2

• Continue activity and therapy as tolerated

Question 3

Yellow Zone: Signs and Symptoms

Answer 3

• Weight gain of 2-3 lbs in 24 hours
• Increased cough
• Peripheral Edema+Increased distal extremity swelling
• Increase in shortness of breath with activity
• Orthopnea: Increase in number of pillows needed to avoid full supine position

Question 4

Yellow Zone: Recommendations

Answer 4

• Symptoms may indicate and adjustment to medications and therefore warrants communication with the physician

Question 5

Red Zone: Signs and Symptoms

Answer 5

• Shortness of breath at rest
• Unrelieved chest pain
• Wheezing or chest tightness at rest
• Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, must sit in a chair to sleep
• Weight gain or loss of more than 5lbs in 3 days
• Confusion

Question 6

Red Zone: Recommendation

Answer 6

• Symptoms indicate overt decompensation and warrant an immediate visit to the emergency department or physician’s office