Incorporating Healthy Habits Into Heart Failure Treatment

Heart failure treatment is a comprehensive treatment involving surgeries, medications, and lifestyle changes. A cardiologist will develop a plan tailored to the patient's needs and ensure they have everything they need to recover following treatment. However, patients can get ahead with a few heart-healthy habits.

6 habits that help improve heart health

1. Quit tobacco

Most doctors, such as cardiologists, will recommend quitting smoking to improve heart health. According to Healthline, smoking can negatively impact the entire cardiovascular system. The most effective way to avoid the effects of smoking is to quit as soon as possible. This may be easier said than done. However, a cardiologist or other healthcare provider can recommend treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist the patient.

2. Quit (or limit) drinking

Unfortunately, drinking alcohol may also impact heart health. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that there is a studied link between improved heart health and drinking certain types of alcohol, such as red wine, but that these studies may not show the whole picture. For instance, red wine drinkers tend to be from higher-income households with access to timely healthcare. While further research on the link between heart health and moderate drinking is necessary, excessive drinking is known to raise blood pressure. Cutting back on alcohol, in addition to tobacco use, may be an effective component of heart failure treatment.

3. Exercise regularly

Exercise is one of the easiest ways to improve overall health. As part of heart failure treatment, patients should opt for moderate-intensity activity. This prevents overworking the heart, which may lead to heart palpitations. Instead, start by getting outside every day for a walk. A cardiologist can provide more personalized exercise recommendations in an appointment.

4. Eat a heart-healthy diet

Heart health is heavily affected by what a patient eats. Generally, this includes eating more vegetables and fruit but less red meats. Opt for whole grain whenever possible. Patients should avoid foods high in sodium and saturated or trans fats. Finally, make sure to limit portion size, as too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

5. Improve sleep habits

Sleep is crucial to heart failure treatment because it allows the heart to rest and the body to heal. Try to make a habit of getting enough sleep every night. This may mean avoiding caffeine after a certain time, curating a more comfortable sleeping space, or following a relaxing bedtime routine.

6. Limit stress

Stress has many negative effects, including on heart health. This is because stress goes hand in hand with physical symptoms like a rapid or pounding heartbeat. It also often causes patients to overeat, drink alcohol, or smoke in order to soothe themselves. At the very least, it will get in the way of a good night’s rest. To stop stress from interfering with heart failure treatment, practice basic stress management techniques like listening to calming music, deep breathing, or mindfulness.

Call to learn more about heart failure treatment

Healthy habits may make heart failure treatment easier and more effective. To learn more or for personalized advice, contact our Delray Beach office. Our cardiology team will be more than happy to help.

Request an appointment here: https://floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.

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