Living with Congestive Heart Failure: A Patient’s Guide

Do you know that alone in America, more than 6 million are living with heart failure? 

This startling scenario highlights a critical public health challenge that affects millions worldwide! Nonetheless, numerous factors are responsible for heart failure, such as obesity, poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, etc. Accompanied by severe health complications, living with heart failure requires an entire transformation of daily activities.

This article uncovers tips that heart patients must incorporate to lead a healthy life.

Keep reading! 

Heart Failure: An Overview

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscles weaken, which impedes the heart's functionality to pump blood through the body effectively. Heart failure can lead to the development of severe complications such as kidney damage, heart valve problems, and liver damage. Similarly, the risk of cardiac arrest and death also increases.  

Causes of Heart Failure

The most noticeable causes are :

• High blood pressure

• Heart valve problem

• Cardiomyopathy

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Smoking

Symptoms of Heart Failure

The congestive heart failure symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Swelling

• Coughing

• Nausea and loss of appetite

• Wheezing

• Irregular heartbeat

• Chest pain

Tips for Living With Congestive Heart Failure

Living with heart failure requires a significant adjustment to daily activities. Incorporating healthy diets and adopting healthy lifestyle activities bear the potential to facilitate living with chronic heart failure. A few tips from the patient’s lens are: 

1- Healthy Diet

A nutritious-rich, healthy, and balanced diet can improve your overall health.

A balanced diet must include:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables

• Starchy foods like potatoes, bread and rice

• Dairy-based products like milk and yogurt 

• Protein-rich diet such as beans, pulses, fish, lean meat, and mutton

2- Regular Exercise 

Regular exercise can improve the overall health and strengthen the heart muscle. Patients with heart failure must opt for aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling. They should also monitor their heart rate to ensure they exercise within a safe range.

3- Low Sodium Intake

Sodium puts a workload on the heart as it causes the body to retain water. Doctors recommend an intake of less than 1500 mg /day. At the same time, they prescribe avoiding processed food and fast food. 

4- No Smoking

Smoking can make the situation worse as it damages the heart and blood vessels. At the same time, stay away from secondhand smoke. It is suggested to consult your healthcare provider for assistance in quitting smoking.

5- Consistent Sleep Pattern

A consistent sleep pattern is necessary to get good, restorative sleep every night. It is recommended that you go to bed at the same time each night and avoid screen contact 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Ideally, you get 8 to  9 hours of sleep, so your heart can rest and reset.

Heart failure is a chronic health challenge requiring an in-depth examination and tailored guidance according to patients’ needs. If you are experiencing the symptoms of heart failure, seek immediate healthcare guidance and make an appointment at Springfield Medical Clinic. 

Get in touch for more details!