Tips for Living With Congestive Heart Failure

Tips for Living with Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that develops and gradually progresses over time. When you have heart failure, your heart still beats and pumps blood throughout your body, but not as efficiently as it should. As a result, your heart does not fill with enough blood, or your heart muscles weaken. Blood and fluids may collect in your lungs and legs over time.

More than six million people in the United States have congestive heart failure. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65.

What Causes Congestive Heart Failure?

Conditions that weaken or damage your heart can cause congestive heart failure. These conditions can include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Coronary artery disease
• Alcohol abuse
• Viruses
• Thyroid disease
• High blood pressure
• Genetic abnormalities

If these conditions go untreated, they slowly damage your heart. The strain on your heart can eventually cause symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and feet.

Other risk factors for congestive heart failure include:

• Age - being older than 65.
• Smoking and using tobacco products
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• An inactive lifestyle
• Eating an unhealthy diet with processed food
• Having a family history of congestive heart failure

If you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, your treatment plan will depend on the type of heart failure you have and any underlying condition that may have caused it. Treatment may include medication and lifestyle changes.

Living with Congestive Heart Failure

Managing symptoms with lifestyle modifications and keeping a daily healthy routine can help to prevent congestive heart failure from worsening. The following tips can help you live productively with congestive heart failure. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet and beginning a new exercise program.

5 Tips for Healthy Living with Congestive Heart Failure

 Tip 1: Avoid processed food

Too much salt and processed food causes your body to retain fluid and increases blood pressure and chance of atherosclerosis. A high-sodium diet is also usually higher in fat and calories. A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

Tip 2: Exercise regularly: Especially aerobic activity

Keeping your body active is an essential part of good heart health. Light physical activity, including walking or swimming, strengthens your heart muscle. Stop the activity and call your physician if you develop shortness of breath or chest pain.

Tip 3: Get the right amount of sleep: A minimum of 6 hours

When you sleep, your heart does not work as hard to pump blood. To get better sleep, limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol, maintain a regular sleep routine and talk to your physician about any sleep-related breathing issues, including sleep apnea or shortness of breath.

Tip 4: Take your prescribed medications

Take your medicine as directed—do not take less or more. Discuss potential side effects with your physician and call them immediately if you are concerned that you are not feeling well.

Tip 5: Check your weight daily

Rapid weight gain can indicate fluid buildup, a sign of worsening heart failure. You may also notice swelling in your legs and feet. Contact your physician if you gain two or three pounds in one day.

It can be difficult to live with a chronic condition like congestive heart failure, but many people learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. With the proper treatment, a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep and daily rest, you can successfully manage your condition.

Learn more about the advanced Cardiology services at Catholic Health.