Congestive Heart Failure: How to Stay Well and Out of the Hospital

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure (CHF) means that your heart has lost some ability to pump blood. This can cause shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, and fluid buildup that results in swelling of the legs, ankles and feet. Congestive heart failure is serious, but many treatments can help you feel better. You will probably need to take several prescription medicines each day for your condition. Your doctor will want to know which parts of your heart are affected so that you can take the right medicine.

If you learn about CHF, you’ll have a better chance of staying out of the hospital.

The most common causes of CHF are:

Avoid eating too much salt and salty foods (like canned vegetables or soups, chips and pizza). Salty and high-sodium foods can cause your body to retain water. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes because they often contain potassium and may not be good for your health either. This will depend on your kidney function and what medicines you are taking. Some people need extra potassium but other people don’t.

Although drinking a small amount of alcohol (one drink a day) seems to be helpful in some people with heart disease, drinking too much may cause heart failure and interfere with medicines. Ask your doctor if any amount of alcohol is safe for you.

Keep your blood pressure well controlled. High blood pressure strains your heart and further weakens it.

You’ll be healthier if you exercise. Ask your doctor to recommend an exercise program for you. Try to reduce the stress in your life and get plenty of sleep. If you smoke, quit! If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about how to lose weight safely.

Also talk to your doctor before you take any medicine. Common arthritis medicines like naproxen (one brand name: Aleve) and ibuprofen (one brand name: Advil) can cause fluid retention.

Fluid retention and weight gain are one signal that your CHF may not be in good control. Weigh yourself daily at the same time of day and report any unexplained changes to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following: