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Nearly six million people in the United States suffer from heart failure. It is a major health hazard, especially when you factor in that heart disease is still the number one cause of death in America.
“Heart failure is a chronic condition that can usually be managed by medications in conjunction with lifestyle changes and partnering with your healthcare team,” said Kismet Rasmusson, nurse practitioner for the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute.
Using the five-step, self-care process of medications, activity, weight, diet, and symptoms (MAWDS) can help you live well with heart failure.
Medications — take them
“When heart failure is diagnosed, the goal of medications is to improve symptoms and to try to prevent progression of the disease,” Rasmusson said.
When a weak heart muscle is diagnosed, treatments will include specific medications to try to strengthen the heart, reduce fluid retention, and improve the quality and length of life while reducing the risk of hospitalization. If the heart muscle is stiff, treatments include controlling fluid retention and treating other common conditions that may contribute to heart failure.
It’s important to keep organized about when to take your medications and to not miss any doses, even if you are feeling better. Work out a system to help remind yourself to take the medications, such as using an alarm clock or a pill box. Keep a current list of your medications that you can take to all medical appointments and ask for a new list of any changes to your regimen.
Active — stay active each day
People with heart failure should exercise as regularly as able. Being active helps keep the body strong, may strengthen your heart, and can improve symptoms.
Still, heart failure patients need to start slow–being regular with activity can build up stamina over time. Some people can feel exhausted after just a few minutes of moderate intensity exercise. But if you continue to stay active, eventually you will feel like you can exercise longer. You can start with walking, but many people living with heart failure can also swim, bike, or do many other activities.
It is important to stop exercising if you start to have warning symptoms.
Weigh yourself daily
Heart failure patients should weigh themselves every morning and keep a log of their weight. This isn’t about vanity — rather, you are looking for a rapid increase or decrease in weight. Abrupt changes in weight could show that fluid retention or loss is happening.
“Heart failure causes fluid retention and the more fluid the body builds up, the more symptoms people experience. Trying to maintain a steady weight without fluid retention is the goal. This is done with diuretics (or water pills) and following diet recommendations,” Rasmusson said.
Diet — follow your diet
In general, it’s always a good idea to have a diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, smaller food portions, and healthy options. People with heart failure also need to follow three main adjustments:
- Salt – Consume less than 2 grams a day. Avoid using the salt shaker, and try to stay away from processed (packaged) foods. Eating less salt can decrease fluid retention.
- Fluid – Limit your fluid intake to less than 8 cups (about 2 liters) a day. This is especially important if you take water pills.
- Alcohol – Generally avoid alcohol. If you do drink, limit your consumption to one beer, cocktail, or glass of wine a day. Excessive alcohol can contribute to a weak heart muscle.
Symptoms — recognize the symptoms
Most patients with heart failure experience shortness of breath, increased fatigue during activities, or fluid retention, as evidenced by swelling in the legs and/or abdominal bloating. Whether you have already been diagnosed or are just noticing these problems, these symptoms can reflect major issues.
If you are experiencing shortness of breath at rest or when lying down, have chest pain or pressure, notice significant abdominal bloating, and/or feel like your heart is racing, contact your doctor or health care professional for evaluation.
The diagnosis of heart failure can be worrisome, one but you can combat it by focusing on daily health. To learn more visit www.IntermountainHeartInstitute.com.