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"Some people I talk to are scared of diabetes, but I just say, we’re here; we’re gonna live and we’re gonna die. Whatever’s in between, deal with it."

‒ Lily
Warrensville Heights, OH

Did You Know?

Heart failure is the only major cardiovascular disorder on the rise. An estimated 400,000 to 700,000 new cases of heart failure are diagnosed each year.
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Living with heart failure
 

People with mild to moderate heart failure often lead nearly normal lives by making positive lifestyle changes. These are some of the most important ones you can make:

• If you smoke, quit. Ask your doctor for help.

• Lose or maintain your current weight. Being overweight adds a strain to the heart.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Avoid or cut back on caffeine.

• Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium (salt).

• Start an exercise plan with your doctor’s advice.

• Learn to manage stress.

• Talk with your healthcare team. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. Don’t wait until problems come up!

• Monitor your blood pressure.

• Limit sodium (salt). A low-salt diet helps control high blood pressure and swelling from fluid retention. It also helps decrease breathlessness.

• Limit your fluid intake to prevent fluid retention.

• Get plenty of rest. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

• Take your medications as directed. Do not stop them without talking your doctor.

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