Following 10 steps to living with heart failure can help ensure a better quality of life. Living with congestive heart failure can seem like a losing battle, especially when you feel fatigued and short of breath. Preventing complications of congestive heart failure will give you more vitality and help you manage symptoms of this disease.
Diet
The American Heart Association recommends that people with congestive heart failure (CHF) follow a heart smart diet. A diet low in salt, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol is the optimum diet when living with CHS. Managing blood pressure and fluid retention are key strategies to controlling symptoms; salt is an infamous saboteur of normal blood pressure and fluid control.
Exercise
A 2009 study conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging recommends that patients with CHF engage in moderate exercise such as walking on a regular basis. Moderate exercise is encouraged as long as the patient is not in acute CHF or experiencing irregular heart rhythms.
Rest
As much as exercise benefits the overall health of a person with CHF, rest is the balancing counterpoint. Adequate sleep helps a person manage stress and fight off infection, two important lifestyle habits that help minimize the symptoms of CHF.
Compliance with Medications
Donna D. Ignatavicius, MS RN, and M. Linda Workman, Ph.D, authors of "Medical-Surgical Nursing---Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care," explain that patients living with CHF often take diuretics, blood pressure medicines, and drugs that strengthen the heart muscle or regulate heart rhythm. Medicines must be taken as directed in order to prevent complications.
Managing Other Health Problems
Often, people living with CHF also have other health problems such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or diabetes. Proper management of these conditions will help prevent complications from CHF.
Minimizing Stress
Acute and chronic stress has damaging effects on the body such as increasing blood pressure, elevating blood sugar and increasing production of stress hormones that can damage heart muscle. Patients with CHF need to implement effective stress management techniques to avoid aggravating symptoms. Getting medical help may be necessary depending on the individual's circumstances.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is a primary risk factor for developing heart disease. Smoking decreases oxygen supply to the body causing the heart to work harder to meet the body's needs. People with CHF should not smoke.
Monitor Your Symptoms
Patients with heart failure should weigh themselves daily and monitor their blood pressure regularly. These activities help a patient gauge how well his CHF is being controlled. Weight gain, swelling and shortness of breath should be reported to the doctor.
Compliance With Medical Care
To prevent complications from CHF, keep scheduled appointments with doctors and follow prescribed treatment plans. People with heart failure should get all recommended immunizations to prevent the risk of flu, pneumonia or other illnesses.
Avoid Alcohol
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol can interfere with prescribed medications and lead to complications from CHF.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing-Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius MS RN, & M. Linda Workman Ph.D; 2006
- American Heart Association: "Lifestyle Changes for People With Heart Failure"
- The National Institute of Health National Institute on Aging: "Is it Safe For Me to Exercise?"
