Find a Doctor Find a Doctor
Time to see a specialist? Time to see a specialist?
We found [COUNT] Specialists
who treat [INTEREST]
near [LOCATION]
We found [COUNT] Specialists
who treat [INTEREST]
near [LOCATION]
[TELEHEALTH] offer Telehealth options.
More
Finding the Right Treatment for Heart Failure

This content is created by Healthgrades and brought to you by an advertising sponsor. More

This content is created or selected by the Healthgrades editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Healthgrades medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the Healthgrades advertising policy.

9 Tips for Living With Heart Failure

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Beth W. Orenstein on May 28, 2021
  • Slide 3: Social: Heart Health Month: 7 Reasons to Stay Heart-Healthy
    Tips to Stay Healthier, Longer
    Nearly five million Americans of all ages are living with heart failure. Another 400,000 will be diagnosed within a year. With heart failure, the heart can't pump blood the way it should. If you’re one of the millions who have this condition, here’s what you need to know about living well with heart failure.
     
  • Hands of man on computer keyboard
    1. Learn about your condition.
    The more you know about heart failure, the easier it will be to live with it. Managing heart failure means following your heart failure treatment plan. You will comply better with your treatment plan if you know what you’re doing and why. Start by talking with your doctor (and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions). Good places to research online are the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
     
  • pretzels-close-up
    2. Watch your salt.
    If you eat a lot of salt, you will retain water. That puts pressure on your already weakened heart and blood vessels. A low-salt diet means skipping processed, packaged foods and salty snacks like potato chips, peanuts and pretzels. Opt instead for fresh foods and those labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium.”
     
  • http://content.bettermedicine.com/c8/ee6c1066bf11e08f3e12313b0204f1/file/Cymbalta%20Slide%202.jpg
    3. Weigh yourself every day.
    When you are living with heart failure, you must weigh yourself daily. It’s best if you do it at the same time every day, on the same scale. Record your weight on a calendar. If you gain three pounds or more in a few days, tell your doctor. Sudden weight gain could mean your heart failure is getting worse. Report more gradual weight gain as well.
     
  • swallowing, pills, pills in hand with glass of water, medication,
    4. Take your meds.
    Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic to help reduce fluid buildup. As part of your heart failure treatment plan, you also may need to take other medications, like beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. They can help decrease strain on your heart and keep your heart failure from getting worse. Make sure you understand what your medications are and why you take them. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects. Be sure to ask when you should report them.
     
  • water aerobics
    5. Get moving.
    One symptom of heart failure is fatigue. It may not seem logical, but exercise can help you fight fatigue. Exercise also can help you strengthen your heart, which is a muscle. It also improves your lung capacity. Your exercise routine should include stretching for range of motion and flexibility. It also should include aerobic exercises, such as walking or water aerobics. However, talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise.
     
  • Your Opinion Matters!
    In order to improve our content, we want to hear from you. Please take this short anonymous survey to let us know how we’re doing.
    Take the survey!
  • variety-of-fast-food
    6. Watch your fat intake.
    Your diet should be low in saturated fat and trans fat. These unhealthy fats can make your heart, which is already weak, have to work harder. When your heart is stressed, fluids can build up in your body. Fat also can cause plaque to build in your arteries, and that can lead to a heart attack.
     
  • fruits and vegetables
    7. Eat fruits and vegetables.
    To keep your heart healthy, you need vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source. One key nutrient is potassium. Some heart failure drugs can rob you of potassium. If you don’t have enough potassium, your heart can beat irregularly. Good sources of potassium are bananas, melons, beans, raisins, potatoes and beets. Too much potassium can also be a problem, though, so check in with your doctor about how much you need.
     
  • Exercise Spinning Class
    8. Shed extra pounds.
    Carrying around extra weight can strain your already weak heart. If you're overweight, you need to lose weight to keep your heart from being overtaxed. The two best ways to do that are by cutting calories and exercising. Taking in fewer calories and burning more by being more active will be good for your heart. Just be sure to talk with your doctor about your plans.
     
  • Quit Smoking
    9. Stop smoking.
    Most everyone knows that smoking can cause lung cancer. But, it can also make your heart have to work harder and beat faster to pump blood through your body. With heart failure, that's already a problem. If you smoke, it’s vital you quit. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor about smoking cessation classes in your area or medicines that can help you quit. Alcohol also can weaken your heart further. The best approach with heart failure: Don’t drink and don’t smoke.
     
9 Tips for Living With Heart Failure
  1. Answers by Heart. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300625.pdf
  2. What You Should Know about Heart Failure, America’s Silent Epidemic. Heart Failure Society. http://www.hfsa.org/pdf/heart_failure_brochure.pdf
  3. Heart failure: Checking Your Weight Daily. American College of Cardiology.  https://www.cardiosmart.org/~/media/Documents/Fact%20Sheets/en/zp3773.ashx
  4. Cardiac Conditions, Safe Exercise for Patients with Heart Disease. National Jewish Health. http://www.nationaljewish.org/healthinfo/conditions/cardio/exercise-and-heart-disease/
  5. Congestive Heart Failure: Treatment. National Jewish Health. http://www.nationaljewish.org/healthinfo/conditions/congestive-heart-failure/treatment
  6. Congestive Heart Failure: Lifestyle Management.  http://www.nationaljewish.org/healthinfo/conditions/congestive-heart-failure/lifestyle
  7. Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/QuitSmoking/QuittingResources/Smoking-Cardiovascular-Di...
  8. How is Heart Failure Treated? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hf/treatment.html
Was this helpful?
404
Last Review Date: 2021 May 28
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.