Living with CHF: Lifestyle Changes

Besides Digitalis, there are many other ways to help treat Congestive Heart Failure. These include medicines, surgeries, and lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Below are some suggested lifestyle changes for someone living with CHF or at risk for CHF:

Try to lose weight by eating a low fat diet and exercising regularly. With less weight, the heart does not have to work as hard. By eating low fat foods, one will not only lose weight, but also decrease one's chance of coronary artery disease. Exercising, like eating low fat foods, will also help one lose weight. It will also help strenghten the heart muscle.

Try to stop smoking or limit smoking. This suggestion obviously does not apply to everyone, but it is very important for smokers. Smoking forces the heart to work harder.

Try to stop or limit drinking alchohol. For those at risk for CHF, alchohol increases the chances of getting the disease. For those with the disease, alchohol interfere with their heart medication.

Try to eat less sodium. Sodium causes water retention, which makes the heart work harder. Water retention also worsens swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet present in someone with CHF.

For more information about living with CHF, click here.