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Commonly Asked Questions About Living with Heart Failure

Published: September 4, 2024 | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Published: September 4, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Caregiver listening to a patient's heart who is living with heart failure

What you need to know about this chronic condition

Heart failure is a condition that occurs when your heart isn’t working as well as it should. This causes your heart to be unable to pump enough blood, which may cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. There is no cure for heart failure, but the condition can be managed, and many people live full lives with the condition.

Not sure what to expect if you have been diagnosed? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about living with heart failure.

What should I watch out for if I have heart failure?

If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, medication and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. However, it’s important to be aware of new or worsening symptoms, which may indicate the condition is progressing. Symptoms to look out for include shortness of breath with activity or when lying down, fatigue, weakness, reduced ability to exercise, rapid or irregular heartbeat, wheezing, coughing, and swelling in the legs, ankles or feet. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor.

What can I do to improve my heart?

In addition to taking any medication prescribed by your doctor, several healthy lifestyle habits can help you better manage heart failure. These include maintaining a healthy weight, following a heart-healthy diet, lowering salt intake, exercising regularly, limiting or avoiding alcohol, not smoking, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

Can I still do my normal activities if I have heart failure?

If you have recently been diagnosed with heart failure, it’s best to increase the amount of activity you do slowly. Listen to your body so you know if you’re doing too much too soon. As long as you feel up to it, most people can still do any activities they did before, but it’s best to check with your doctor and follow any advice they may offer.

Can I still work if I have heart failure?

Many people who have heart failure are still able to work. If your job is strenuous, you may need to modify what you do or stop working, but more sedentary jobs can usually be continued. If you have been in the hospital for heart failure, returning to work will be based on your recovery and your doctor’s recommendations.

Can I travel if I have heart failure?

Most people with heart failure can lead full and fulfilling lives, and as long as your condition is under control, you should be able to travel. Just make sure you take your medications with you, as well as your doctor’s contact information in case you need it. Follow precautions to stay healthy and don’t overdo things just because you’re away from home – let your body be your guide for how much you can do.

When should I consider additional help for heart failure?

If you are noticing a decline in independence at home, are struggling to manage symptoms and/or medications, or would like additional education and monitoring, you may want to consider home health care. Ethos offers skilled nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, home technology solutions, and more to help you manage heart failure from the comfort of home.

Additionally, hospice care offers support, comfort, and improved quality of life for individuals and their families at the end stages of heart failure. Ethos offers medication management, pain and symptom management, family education and support, life-enriching services, and more to those in their final days, weeks, or months of life.

For more information about Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice services, we invite you to explore our websitefill out this online form, or contact our team at (701) 515-0696.

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Date Last Reviewed: April 18, 2024
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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