4 / 8
There are more than 5 million
Americans living with heart fail-
ure. And the key word here is
living
.
✦
While there’s no cure
for this condition, there’s plenty
that people who have it can do to
relieve symptoms and lead com-
fortable, productive lives.
✦
If
you’ve recently been diagnosed
with heart failure, or even if
you’ve had it for awhile, it’s im-
portant to do those things that
may help keep you healthy. Here
are five to focus on:
1
Cut back on fluids and sodium.
People
with heart failure are prone to retaining
fluid. If you consume a lot of liquids or
eat foods high in salt, which causes the body to hold onto
water, fluid retention may get worse.
Take action:
●
●
Ask your doctor how much fluid is safe to consume.
●
●
Read food labels and choose foods with the lowest
amounts of sodium—particularly breads and rolls, pizza,
soup, cold cuts and cured meats, poultry, and sandwiches.
●
●
Use less table salt to season foods.
2
Weigh yourself regularly.
Weight gain can be a sign
you’re retaining fluid—which can make your heart fail-
ure worse.
Take action:
●
●
Ask your doctor when to bring weight gain to his or
her attention.
●
●
Step on the scale every day, preferably before breakfast
and after urinating, and use the same scale in the same
spot. Wear the same type of clothing, but no shoes.
3
Manage your medications.
Several types of medi-
cines help keep heart failure in check. Ask your doctor to
explain how your medicines work—and be sure to take
them exactly as directed.
Take action:
●
●
Use a checklist, pillbox or other device to track your
medication use.
●
●
Consult your doctor before taking any new medicine,
over-the-counter product or herbal supplement.
●
●
Tell your doctor if you have side effects or other prob-
lems with your medicines—including problems paying
for them.
4
Don’t ignore emotional distress.
Heart failure can
cause depression and anxiety. Both can make it harder
to stick with your treatment plan and affect your qual-
ity of life.
Take action:
●
●
Report any feelings of depression or anxiety to your
doctor right away. He or she can help.
●
●
Tell family and friends how you’re feeling and what
they can do to help.
●
●
Consider joining a support group.
5
Work closely with your doctor.
His or her guidance
is essential in helping you manage heart failure.
Take action:
●
●
Follow your doctor’s advice.
●
●
Know how often to seek regular medical care and
when you need emergency care.
●
●
Keep all scheduled appointments, including those for
tests and lab work.
Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
H e a r t H e a l t h
HEART FAILURE
5
steps
for better
health
T H E
S A M A R I T A N
4
S U M M E R 2 0 1 6