becoming less effective or the side effects have gotten worse.
5. Exercise Will Be Important
Doctors recommend physical activity because it helps strengthen your heart. If you maintain a healthy weight, it will also reduce the stress on your heart as it pumps blood around the body.
It’s best to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise routine, especially if you weren’t active before being diagnosed. In many cases, short walks or swimming can be a good place to start.
6. Diet Changes Can Help
Another way to help your heart remain healthy is to eat well. Foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar can be bad for heart health. On the other hand, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help with your heart issues. It’s also best to cut down on drinking alcohol or stop altogether.
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7. You’ll Need To Know What An Emergency Looks Like
In some cases, heart failure can affect your body badly enough to cause other illnesses. For example, it can damage your liver and kidneys. As a result, it’s a good idea to know what the symptoms of these diseases can look like. One early sign of kidney disease is uncontrolled high blood pressure while liver damage can start with persistent abdominal pain.
8. A Support System Is Essential
Even while you’re getting treatment, you might not be able to carry out certain tasks by yourself anymore. The limitations can include walking or standing for long periods, lifting heavy loads, and undertaking strenuous activities.
It’s best to ask for help when needed and assign the work that you can’t manage to others. While you’re living with heart failure, you’ll need to rest more than you might be used to.
While heart failure is considered to be a chronic illness that you’ll need to manage for the rest of your life, it’s possible to have a good life with the disease. To do this, you’ll need to stick to your medical regimen, change your lifestyle, and keep in contact with your doctor as needed. It’s also important to make sure that any other chronic condition is under control.