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No matter what caused your heart failure, there are things that you can do to help manage it. You can change your lifestyle and take medicines your doctor prescribes. This can help make a big difference in your health.
Even simple actions can improve how you feel. You’ll also need to watch your symptoms and speak regularly with your doctor.
How to help yourself
- Weigh yourself daily. If your weight goes up, you may have excess water. Keep a daily record of your weight (PDF Format) to make sure that your heart failure is under control.
- Use less salt. Your doctor will probably suggest a low-salt (low-sodium) diet. Eating salt makes the body retain water. As a result, the heart has to work even harder to pump blood.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Eating well will help you stay at a healthy weight. Plus, it can add flavor to your diet and help you feel better.
- If your doctor tells you to lose weight, do so. Extra pounds strain your heart.
- Move more. Physical activity will make your muscles stronger. This can help you feel better and do your daily tasks more easily. It can also help you stay at a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program. He or she can help you find an exercise level that’s right for you. You may also be told to avoid certain exercises.
- Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, try to quit. Smoking raises blood pressure and makes it harder to exercise. It also makes blood more likely to clot. This puts you at greater risk for heart attacks or stroke.
- Avoid alcohol. One or two drinks a day for men, and one drink a day for women do not seem to harm most people. But too much alcohol may lead to high blood pressure and heart failure. Alcohol is also high in calories.
Remember: Taking care of yourself helps control your heart failure and makes you feel better.
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