Caring For Congestive Heart Failure Improves Quality Of Life
Congestive heart failure is a manageable condition if you follow the right steps to improve your health.
Though “heart failure” can sound irreparable, the term actually means that the heart isn’t pumping the way it should be.
The body needs the heart to pump blood full of oxygen and nutrients through the body to the cells so the body can function normally.
A weak or stiff heart can lead to heart failure because the various cells in the body do not get the blood supply they need. Because of that, simple, everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, can cause fatigue and shortness of breath. Heart failure can also cause fluid retention.
Though heart failure typically has no cure, you can still lead a full life with the disease. Choosing to be active in managing your health and treatment is the first step.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends the following treatments and lifestyle changes:
- Avoiding alcohol
- Being physically active and staying fit
- Caring for related conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure
- Drinking the right amount of fluids, not too much nor too little
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Going to regular doctor’s visits
- Reducing salt intake
- Having medical procedures or surgery, as recommended by your doctor
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
- Quitting smoking
- Taking prescribed medications
By treating your heart failure, you will be able to minimize the symptoms, stop the disease from worsening, increase your lifespan, and improve your quality of life.
Source: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health
