Living with Heart Failure
Improve Your Physical and Mental Health with Diet and Exercise
Jun 2, 2009
Heart failure is when the heart muscle does not efficiently pump oxygen and other nutrients around the body. Poor muscle function may be caused by heart attacks, angina, congenital heart defects, high blood pressure, cardio-vascular disease, and excessive drug and alcohol use. The cause and severity will vary from person to person, and sufferers of the disease may experience a variety of symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, fluid retention, and irregular heart beat.
Not letting a diagnosis of heart failure take over your life is important. By assuming control over the disease, you will be far more successful at combating its effects. It is important, however, that you continue to take all medications as instructed, and to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
5 Top Strategies for Coping with Heart Failure
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quit NOW! Smoking places incredible strain on the heart, reduces oxygen flow, and elevates blood pressure, all potentially life-threatening conditions for people with heart failure. Not only will you breathe easier, but because your heart will not have to work as hard, you will feel much better.
Eat a Healthy Heart Diet
Eat a heart healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and sugar. Heart healthy diets are not just for the waistline; they also help lower blood pressure by reducing salt intake. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension) is one example of a heart healthy approach. Endorsed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, it advises a regular intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products. Importantly, this diet also recommends lowering your salt intake to 2 grams (half a teaspoon) per day. Go to for an extensive article on DASH including recipes.
Low salt diets can be difficult to follow. There is sodium in almost all processed food and it can take some searching to find a salt free equivalent, but the extra effort will be worth it. Be sure to read food labels carefully, use a good quality salt substitute, and eat fresh produce as often as you can. Also, try to incorporate foods that act as a natural diuretic such as parsley, watercress, artichokes, and oats to help reduce fluid retention.
Eating smaller meals more frequently is also beneficial. The heart works much harder when digesting a large meal which puts extra strain on the body and leaves you feeling sluggish and tired.
Do Some Form of Moderate Exercise Daily
Moderate exercise is crucial in maintaining a healthy heart. In consultation with your doctor, devise an exercise program that works for your schedule and activity level. If you do not already have a routine, ask your doctor for a referral to a Cardiac Rehabilitation or Healthy Heart Program. These are community based, supervised exercise programs for individuals with cardiac conditions. The benefits are that you can work at your own pace while being monitored by professionals, clearly chart your progress, and develop valuable support networks. If structured, group activities are not suitable, get out and walk everyday. It's free and will help to keep your heart muscle strong.
Seek Emotional Support
People diagnosed with heart failure often feel scared and emotionally isolated. It is important to talk to others about your condition. Family and friends are valuable resources, and there are also community based and online groups that offer support specifically for individuals with cardiac conditions. Knowing that you are not alone is not only comforting, it can motivate you to take control of your illness and get on with your life.
Keep a Heart Diary
Another strategy for understanding and monitoring your condition is to keep a heart diary in which you keep track of your medications, weight, fluid intake, blood pressure, and exercise targets. A heart diary will help you monitor your progress, and provide a valuable record for you and your doctor. Here's a sample of a heart healthy diary.
There is currently no cure for heart failure, but by quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a heart healthy diet, and developing a strong support network, you can manage the disease and achieve a high quality of life.
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