Tips To Manage Heart Failure At Home

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic medical condition, where a person’s heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s requirement. A person suffering from HF may experience a broad range of symptoms such as extreme fatigue, coughing, swelling in legs, and shortness of breath.

Though there is no cure for HF, it can be managed by adhering to the prescribed medications, making some simple lifestyle modifications and monitoring symptoms. Without proper care, your heart’s functioning may go well below 30 per cent, which means you are at a higher risk of developing cardiac arrest at any time.

In this article, we will discuss a few tips to help you deal with HF at home.

1. Perform Regular Exercises^[1]

Regular exercise will strengthen your heart. You can talk to your doctor to suggest the best exercises, as you may have to avoid certain exercises based on your health. Generally, you could benefit from yoga, tai chi, low-impact cardio such as walking, riding a bike, and some strength training such as using resistance tubes or bands, lifting weights (avoid more than 10 pounds).

2. Keep An Eye On Blood Pressure^[2]

High blood pressure causes the heart muscles to become weak and function less efficiently. Monitor your blood pressure at home using a home blood pressure monitor. Opt for a device that features a cuff-style biceps monitor. This automatic device stores the blood pressure readings, allowing you to them show to your doctor during an appointment.

3. Cut Down On Salt Intake^[3]

Salt causes extra fluid buildup in the body, which is known to worsen heart failure. Reduce your salt intake in daily diet. Avoid sodium-rich food, especially packaged foods. If at all, you have to, then go for those marked with “low-salt”, “low-sodium” and “no-salt-added”. It is also best to steer away from fried foods and salted butter.

4. Adhere To Prescribed Medication^[4]

Since there are various symptoms associated with Heart Failure, you will have to take certain medicines. Your doctor will also consider the severity of your HF and prescribe the medicines. Make sure to take medicines as per your doctor’s advice. You can place sticky notes on your wardrobe, kitchen cabinet or fridge as a reminder.

5. Get Quality Sleep^[5]

Getting sound and interrupted sleep is a must for overall wellbeing. Resting helps your heart function properly and eases your mind. If you find trouble falling asleep, talk to your doctor. Cutting-off all distractions (TV, mobile phones, and any gadgets) at least half-an-hour before bedtime can help you slip into sleep more easily!

6. Give Up On Smoking^[6]

Smoking is often related to heart ailments. Smoking any form of nicotine including the lighter versions of cigarettes that have reduced tar and nicotine, in the long run, can put a strain on your heart and damage it extensively.

7. Lose Weight^[7]

Losing excess weight has an improving effect on heart health. The extra pounds exert stress on the heart. Opt for a combination of a moderate exercise regime and proper diet to lose weight. Besides, avoid overeating, this applies during the celebrations as well because most heart attacks occur during merrier and jovial times. Eating a lot of food at one time causes the blood to shift from the heart to the digestive system, resulting in faster and irregular heartbeats, which could lead to a heart attack.

8. Keep Stress At Bay^[8]

Do you know stress triggers more than 1,400 biochemical responses in the body including enhancing your blood pressure, and inducing faster heart rates? For a better heart, start managing your stress. Practising meditation, pranayama and yoga posture are known to help cope with stress.

Having a healthy heart is the reason for you being alive. It is vital for the proper functioning of your body. So why not manage your Heart failure at home by inculcating some good lifestyle habits and taking medication on time!

References:

Disclaimer: This website may contain information that otherwise may not be accessible or valid in your country. As a public interest initiative, Roche Diagnostics India is providing content to read on the website. Please note the date of the last review on all content and articles. Please also be aware that the information on this website should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the advice of a qualified medical professional, and does not replace medical advice or a medical examination. Always consult your physician for any questions or advice on a medical condition.