How to Cope With Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart becomes weak and cannot pump efficiently enough to get blood to the body's organs. It can be caused by past infections of the heart, damaged heart valves, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and past heart attacks. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include swelling of the legs and ankles, irregular heartbeats and fatigue. Fluid may also accumulate in the lungs making breathing difficult. Here is how to live with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

Instructions

• 1

  See your physician. Your doctor will order tests to determine how well your heart is pumping. Tests may include, blood work, an echocardiogram and an ejection fraction test, which measures how much blood is pumped out of the heart with each beat.

• 2

  Take medications. Diuretics can help reduce the water you retain. Beta blockers may also be prescribed. They will help the heart pump more efficiently. If you have high blood pressure, medication maybe needed.

• 3

  Stop smoking. Smoking makes the heart beat faster and work harder. It also damages blood vessels. Speak to your doctor about ways to stop smoking such as wearing patches, taking medication, hypnosis and smoking cessation classes.

• 4

  Limit salt intake. Congestive heart failure usually causes some fluid retention. Eating foods high in salt can make fluid retention worse. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian who will teach you the amount of salt allowed in your diet and help you choose the right foods.

• 5

  Ease stress, as it can make your symptoms worse. Use deep breathing techniques, meditation and hobbies to reduce stress. Mild exercise also helps ease stress and may be appropriate. Ask your physician about exercising before you start.

• 6

  Undergo surgery. If a damaged valve caused your congestive heart failure, surgery maybe an option. If you are experiencing irregular heartbeats as a result of congestive heart failure an implantable defibrillator might be suggested.