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You can make changes in your daily life that can help you stay healthy. Don’t try
to make too many changes at once. If you make changes slowly, they are more likely
to last and become habits. Make small changes first. Then, take on bigger ones.
You also may want to write down all the changes that you want to make. This can
help you decide where to start. Use the links below to learn about some healthy
lifestyle changes you can make today.
Watch Your Weight
Stay at a Healthy Weight
Keep Track of Your Symptoms
Reduce Stress
Limit or Avoid Alcohol
Stop Smoking
Watch Your Weight
Weight gain can be a sign that your body is holding on to fluids. This can lead
to swelling. It may also be a sign that your heart failure is getting worse.
IMPORTANT: Ask your clinician what you should do or when you should call if you
gain weight. Your clinician will set a rule for you to follow, such as, “Call us
if you gain two or more pounds in one day.” Weigh yourself each day at the same
time. If you see that you have gained weight, follow your clinician’s advice about
calling them.
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Stay at a Healthy Weight
Less body fat and more muscle means less strain on your heart. So, try to stay at
a healthy weight, and be as lean as you can be. If you cut fats and calories from
your diet, you can help limit, and maybe even lower, how much body fat you have.
Exercise may help you stay at a healthy weight. It can also build muscle and better
control your symptoms. Ask your clinician what diet and exercise is right for you.
Read some diet and exercise tips on this Web site.
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Keep Track of Your Symptoms
It is important for you to keep track of your symptoms. Write down how you feel
each day. This can help you know if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have
new ones. It can also help you decide if you need to call your clinician.
Click here to order a free Fight Against Heart FailureSM Handbook! This
handbook includes a three month’s supply of daily journal pages to help you easily
track your weight, symptoms, and sodium intake.
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Reduce Stress
Stress makes your blood pressure go up. This makes your heart work harder. It may
make your heart failure symptoms worse. You can’t avoid all stress, but you should
try to relax and avoid events that cause stress when you can. Here are some ideas:
- Take up a quiet hobby, like gardening or painting.
- Do things you enjoy, like reading or spending time with friends.
- Write down how you feel. Putting your thoughts on paper can help you feel better.
- Go for a walk or get other exercise.
- Spend time with caring friends, family, or a support group.
- Learn to manage your time better. Don’t take on too many things at once.
- If you can, avoid stressful settings, like rushing to appointments or sitting
in heavy traffic.
- Meditate or do breathing exercises (see box).
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Limit or Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol makes it harder for the heart to work. So, most clinicians tell their heart
failure patients not to drink any alcohol. Ask your clinician how much alcohol (if
any) is safe for you.
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Stop Smoking
Smoking hurts the lungs and the heart and is not good for anyone. It can also make heart failure worse. If you smoke, you should stop now! Ask your clinician about tools to help you quit.
Also, stay away from places where other people smoke so that you don’t breathe in any second-hand smoke.
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