The goals of treatment are to help you feel better and live longer. Treatment may include the following:
The following dietary modifications will help to decrease some of the symptoms.
Low sodium diet
Here are some tips to lower the amount of sodium you eat:
Fluid restrictions
When your heart is failing, your body retains fluid because your heart is not moving fluid around as efficiently as it should. Some fluid-related symptoms of heart failure include excessive swelling in the legs and feet, as well as unexplained weight gain. During heart failure, taking in excess fluids can make your heart work harder to pump that fluid around your body. This can increase the difficulty of breathing, causing shortness of breath as well as extreme fatigue. For this reason, people who are experiencing congestive heart failure or those who are especially prone to it may be placed on a fluid-restricted diet.
Other dietary advices:
Eating out
Eating out is convenient, a nice break from cooking and a fun way to celebrate special occasions. Below are some tips for eating out without intaking too much sodium:
Maintain a healthy body weight
Benefits of exercise
Regular exercise has many benefits. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can:
Is there anything I shouldn’t do?
You may be advised to avoid hard physical sports such as squash or weight-lifting. Vigorous activity may not be good for you.
In addition, avoid isometric exercises When you make a sudden, hard physical effort, your blood pressure goes up. You may become stiff and sore and will be getting into the over activity-rest cycle.
What type of activity is best?
Cardiac rehabilitation therapists can help you set a realistic goal to work from as a baseline.
The ‘over activity-rest cycle’
Stress reduction
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This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala Healthcare, and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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