Patients with heart failure are often advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption altogether, as it can interfere with medications and exacerbate symptoms.
VERIFIED By: Dr Aditi Singhvi, Consultant Adult Cardiology & Heart Transplant at Narayana Health, Bangalore
Written by Tavishi Dogra |Updated : November 5, 2024 4:17 PM IST
Heart failure as effectively as it should, and some people experience excessive coughing. Some common causes include heart attacks or blockages in the arteries of the heart, diabetes, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, genetic abnormalities, and valve diseases. Many people with heart failure lead an entirely healthy lifestyle. It’s also helpful to have the support of family and friends who can support and help you.
Essential lifestyle changes generally include:
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is one of the most essential steps in managing heart failure. Low in saturated fats and refined sugars, it can help reduce strain on the heart. Limiting salt intake is particularly critical, as excess sodium can lead to fluid retention and worsening heart failure symptoms. Processed and canned foods, often high in sodium, should be minimized. Instead, fresh ingredients and herbs can be used for flavouring, which is usually recommended for individuals with heart conditions.
- Monitor and Manage Fluid Intake: Fluid retention is a significant concern for many patients with heart failure. Excess fluid can accumulate in the lungs, making breathing difficult and exacerbating symptoms like swelling in the legs and ankles. Patients are often advised to monitor their daily fluid intake and work with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount based on their specific condition. Regular weighing is also crucial to detect sudden weight gain, which could signal fluid overload.
- Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Blood vessels and heart tissue worsen the effects of heart failure. Quitting smoking is one of the most potent ways to improve heart health and prevent further complications. Similarly, alcohol can have harmful effects on the heart, particularly in large quantities. Patients with heart failure are often advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption altogether, as it can interfere with medications and exacerbate symptoms.
- Stay Physically Active: Exercise is vital to managing heart failure, though it must be done cautiously and tailored to individual capabilities. Light to moderate aerobic activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and increase energy levels, especially if they experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.
If the disease progresses and the heart worsens, treatment becomes more complex. LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) therapy and heart transplantation have emerged as effective treatment options for managing advanced heart failure. These therapies have been proven to significantly enhance advanced heart failure patients’ quality of life and survival. If you have heart failure, your everyday life is a result.
Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
