Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. Heart failure is progressive and can periodically worsen causing symptoms to become severe and sometimes require hospitalization to treat. During the hospital stay you will get medical treatment to stabilize your heart function and relieve symptoms. Typically, a stay of 4-5 days is normal but other problems or complications may lengthen your stay.  Discharge from the hospital doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the woods. You have to be very careful during the days and weeks after discharge to be sure nothing happens that will send you back to the hospital. This quick guide supplements your discharge instructions and will help you avoid readmission.