Living with Heart Failure: Lifestyle Changes for a Longer Life

Heart failure is a frightening diagnosis. There is no cure for heart failure, but it is possible to live a full and enjoyable life with the right treatment and active attention to your lifestyle.

There are more than 5 million people living with heart failure, according to the American Heart Association (americnheart.org). There are also 550,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

Although a frightening condition, it can be managed. first and foremost, the patient needs to follow all of their doctor's recommendationsl. Changes in diet, exercise habits and lifestyle will probably need to be made and adhered to.

There are different types of heart failure, which involve different treatment from the doctor. The heart is made up of two chambers. Heart failure occurs when one of the chambers lose their ability to keep up with blood flow.

Heart failure is normally a chronic disease, meaning that it is a long term condition that worsen gradually. By the time that the condition is diagnosed, the heart has likely been losing pumping capacity for quite a while. The heart attempts to compensate by enlarging, developing more muscle mass and pumping faster.

The body also attempts to compensate for heart failure by narrowing the blood vessels and diverting the blood flow from less important tissues. These may mask the problem, but they do not solve it. Eventually a trip to the doctor is prompted when the person experiences fatigue, breathing problems or other symptoms.

Warning signs of heart failure: get in touch with your doctor with any of these symptoms

Sudden weight gain. Significant sudden surges in weight, such as three pounds or more in one day or five pounds in one week. If under treatment, the doctor may provide a different amount to report. There guidelines are from The American Heart Association (americanheart.org)

Shortness of breath which is not related to exercise or exertion.

Increase of swelling in the lower limbs (legs, ankles)

Swelling or pain the the abdomen

Trouble sleeping (wakes up short of breath, uses more pillows)

Frequent dry hacking cough

Increased fatigue, or feeling tired all the time.

Loss of appetite