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Learning from your doctor that you have heart failure can be scary. Heart failure—also called congestive heart failure—is a chronic condition that can get progressively worse. After a heart failure diagnosis, you can improve your quality of life and live healthier for longer by working closely with your doctor and being an active part of your healthcare team.
To start, have a frank discussion with your doctor about the steps you need to take to improve your health and feel better. Lifestyle changes and heart failure treatments can help relieve symptoms, make daily tasks easier and help you stay out of the hospital. They can also help prevent the disease from getting worse. Below is some information you can use to get started talking with your doctor.
Make necessary lifestyle changes.
When living with heart failure, making even simple changes to your lifestyle habits can make a big difference in how you feel and how well you can keep your heart failure under control.
One of the most effective ways to improve congestive heart failure is through your diet. Your doctor or other member of your healthcare team will explain what foods and drinks should be a part of your diet, and which ones to avoid. For example, staying away from salty foods is important because they can cause extra fluids to build up in your body and make heart failure worse. You should also avoid drinking alcohol. Talk with your doctor about how much fluid you should have daily.
If you are confused about what to eat and drink, don’t give up. Ask your doctor if you might benefit from talking with a dietitian.
Other lifestyle changes can also improve your health. Talk with your doctor about quitting smoking, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough rest. Also, ask what level of physical activity is right for you after heart failure diagnosis.
Take medication as prescribed.
If you have a prescription medication for heart failure, it’s important to take it exactly as the doctor orders. If you experience negative side effects, tell your doctor. He or she may be able to adjust the type of medication or the dosage to help relieve the problem.
Before you start a new medication, even if it’s not for heart failure, check with your heart doctor first before taking it. The more medicines you take, the greater your risk of side effects or other problems. This is true for prescription and over-the-counter medications. Also, let your doctor know about vitamins and supplements you take, or would like to take.
Also, if you get mixed up or have trouble taking your medication on schedule, tell your doctor. He or she may be able to offer tips and guidance to get you back on track.
Watch for trouble signs.
Subtle symptoms can tell you if your heart failure is getting worse. But you must know what to look for and when to alert your doctor. Talk with your doctor about warning signs of heart failure problems and what they mean. For example, weight gain can signal that fluids are building up in your body. Make sure you know how often to weigh yourself and how much of a gain means a call to your doctor.
Look to the future.
If lifestyle changes and medication are no longer effective in controlling your heart failure, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure or device. This may include an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or a cardiac resynchronization therapy device. These treatment options can help the heart maintain a regular heartbeat, which can reduce heart failure symptoms.
Although you may not require advanced treatment options, learn as much as you can and prepare yourself for possible future needs. Ask your doctor how serious your condition is and how he or she expects it will progress.
By teaming up with your doctor, you can make a tremendous difference in your health and quality of life.
Key Takeaways:
- If you have heart failure, lifestyle changes and treatment can help relieve symptoms, make daily tasks easier, and help you stay out of the hospital.
- One of the most effective ways to improve your condition is through your diet. For example, staying away from salty foods is important because they can cause extra fluids to build up in your body and make heart failure worse.
- If lifestyle changes and medication are no longer controlling your heart failure, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure or device.
