Learning that you or someone you love has heart failure can be frightening.
But living with heart failure doesn’t mean your heart is going to stop working right away. Many people with heart failure can control the condition with medications and lifestyle changes.
“Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when your heart is unable to keep up with its workload of providing enough oxygen rich blood to your body,” said Nitasha Sarswat, MD, cardiologist with Endeavor Health.
“The condition develops over time and can come as a result of a heart attack, high blood pressure or other coronary diseases. Other factors such as smoking, diabetes, a diet high in fat and cholesterol, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity can increase someone’s risk for heart failure.”
Managing the condition
Your doctor may recommend medications or lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or adopting a low-fat, low-sodium diet, to help manage your condition. In some cases, surgical procedures (such as inserting a cardiac defibrillator) may also be recommended.
In the most severe cases, a heart transplant may be an option. But for many, medications and lifestyle changes are recommended.
Recognizing symptoms
“If you are living with heart failure, keeping an eye out for symptoms is key to managing your health,” said Charu Gupta, MD, cardiologist with Endeavor Health. “Your physician will likely ask you to track and report symptoms like sudden weight gain, swelling in your ankles or feet and changes in sleep patterns.”
If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, talk to your doctor about a strategy to help you deal with symptoms that might arise. Having a strategy and knowing what to do in advance will help you and your caregivers if you begin to experience any changes in your condition.
Making lifestyle changes
Your doctor also may discuss lifestyle changes that could help you. For example, you may be asked to adopt a low-sodium diet or to quit smoking.
And though heart failure may leave you thinking that you can’t be active, many patients are able to return to their active lifestyle.
Cardiac rehab is often recommended after a cardiac event to help patients return to an active lifestyle or begin to incorporate exercise into their routine. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of low to moderate exercise three to five days a week. Discuss ways to add exercise to your daily routine with your doctor.
Living with heart failure doesn’t have to be a daunting challenge if you communicate with your care team and make healthy lifestyle changes.
Do you or a loved one have heart failure? Join us for a "Managing Heart Failure Together" class at Galter Life Center, led by physicians, to learn the basics of heart failure, including medications and treatments. Learn more and register.