When the heart becomes too weak to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body. or is unable to fill with blood due to lack of elasticity, the condition is known as heart failure. This results in various symptoms, including swelling, fatigue and shortness of breath. Heart failure can be treated with medication and surgery. In addition, some home remedies can reduce the effects of heart failure and prevent it from getting worse.
Weight Monitoring
Heart failure causes accumulation of fluid in the body that is seen or experienced as sudden weight gain. Individuals with heart failure need to weigh themselves daily, at the same time every day and in the same clothing. This is done to check for any weight gain that indicates worsening of heart failure. Any weight gain of three or more pounds in one day should be reported to a physician for further investigation or new treatment. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, preventing heart failure from getting worse can keep sufferers healthy longer.
Avoid Salty Foods
A diet high in sodium or salt causes the body's blood volume to increase. This causes an already weakened heart to work harder. Avoiding a diet that is high in salt is a home remedy that can reduce the symptoms of heart failure or prevent it from getting worse. Choose fresh over processed foods, and when that is not possible, buy processed or canned foods with no added salt or labeled as low sodium. Another method of avoiding a salty diet is to not add salt at the table to already cooked food.
Avoid Fats and Cholesterol
A diet high in fats and cholesterol can make heart failure worse because it leads to an increase in blood cholesterol levels and results in atherosclerosis---a condition in which blood vessels become narrow and supply less blood to organs like the heart. Atherosclerosis can lead to heart failure or make it worse; therefore, a diet low in fat and cholesterol is a home remedy that may prevent heart failure from getting worse.
Limit Fluid Intake
Excess fluids in the body can overwork an already failing heart. A useful home remedy for heart failure is drinking the right amount of fluid, as recommended by a doctor. Alcohol should also be avoided in heart failure, according to The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. It weakens the heart and can make heart failure worse.
Quit smoking
The American Heart Association suggests that quitting smoking can help alleviate symptoms of heart failure in addition to improving the lifestyle of heart failure patients. Smoking constricts blood vessels and can lead to hypertension---a risk factor for heart failure. It can also damage blood vessels and reduce blood supply to the heart.
