Protect Your Heart: What to Do After a CHF Diagnosis

Congestive heart failure affects around 6 million Americans with almost 700,000 being diagnosed each year. In fact, Black Americans have the highest rate of heart failure than any other race/ethnic group. However, congestive heart failure does not mean impending doom. What it does mean is that adjustments are needed to support heart health and live a healthier life. Considering how to make healthier choices in all aspects of your life is a holistic and sustainable way to protect your heart health.

Put Yourself First 

As mentioned before, congestive heart failure is not an automatic path to deteriorating health. Take the diagnosis as a serious opportunity to take charge and support your own health. Make a diagnosis an impetus, not a demotivator.

Additionally, receiving a diagnosis also sparks an initial conversation with your physician on how to proceed. Your care team should suggest habits and activities that can help turn your health around. Use this conversation as a foundation for how to proceed.

READ: How to Increase Your Life Expectancy With Heart Failure

Center a Heart Healthy Diet

While no one diet will cure heart diseases, there are certain foods and food groups that can help support a healthy heart. Below are some food groups to consider adding to your diet:

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• Leafy green vegetables: Think kale, spinach, and collard. Go for vegetables with a deep green color that have a bit more volume. The awesome thing about these vegetables is they can be added to a variety of recipes. Spinach can easily be added to smoothies and kale is an amazing addition to soups, pastas, or as a side salad. Leafy green vegetables contain vitamin K which helps with arteries and promotes proper clotting.
• Whole grains: One of the easiest food groups to find and cook in recipes. Whole grains are higher in fiber which lowers LDL cholesterol and helps with heart health. Whole grains can be found in whole wheat products, brown rice, quinoa, and oats, among others. Start the day with a bowl of oatmeal customizable with berries (also a heart-healthy food), bananas, coconut flakes, honey, chia seeds, or whatever toppings you desire. Brown rice is a versatile side that can be accompanied by whatever protein and vegetables you like.
• Fatty fish and fish oil: This one is for salmon lovers! Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are full of omega-3 fatty acids which have been connected with better heart health. Studies have found that increased consumption of fatty fish leads to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar. For those who do not like fish, fish oil supplements are an alternative that provides the same benefits. 
• Dark chocolate: An unexpected but much-loved addition to this list! Dark chocolate has flavonoids, which are tied to improved heart health. There is not a clear explanation for why this connection exists, but those who consistently eat dark chocolate have observed a lower risk of calcified arteries.  However, keep in mind that chocolate can be high in sugar. Be sure to choose high-quality dark chocolate with higher percentages of cocoa powder (at least 70%).

READ: Is It Possible To Reverse Heart Disease?

Consistent Exercise

Exercise can be an exciting outlet for some, but a complete chore for others. However, regular exercise is tied to

a plethora of health benefits. Most importantly, moderate exercise supports heart health and cardiovascular endurance. A pumping heart is a healthier heart – so let’s get moving! 

Start Slow, Make It Easy

This does not mean doing an hour of burpees or running two miles. Exercise just starts with movement. An accessible, free, and beginner-friendly workout is just walking. Although lower intensity, walking is still a great workout that keeps the body moving. 

Make It Your Hobby!

But remember that fun activities and hobbies can be exercise too! Make it a family activity by going swimming, going to the roller rink, or finding a biking trail to explore. All of these lower impact exercises can be family-friendly and inclusive. It doesn’t matter where you start or how you do it, but aim for 30-minutes of moderate exercise at least three days a week. Moderate exercise should raise your heart rate for a sustained amount of time. 

READ: What Vitamins Should I Be Taking For Heart Health?

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Turn Your Home Into A Personal Gym

Working out is also easy to do at home. YouTube makes it painless to find an at-home workout that will get you working. You can find anything from indoor walking workouts, kickboxing, pilates, and strength training. It’s easy to turn your living room into your own personal gym. Don’t forget to stretch, warm up and cool down with each workout. Your body will thank you later!

Don’t Neglect Other Conditions

Congestive heart failure is a scary diagnosis and it may lead you to feel overwhelmed. While CHF is a serious condition, other concurrent conditions still deserve care and attention. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis or chronic migraines cannot be neglected.

Remember, the adjustments you are making promote your overall health.

For this reason, eating well and exercising can help with other illnesses or chronic conditions you may also have. Be sure your healthcare professional has an up-to-date list of medications you are currently prescribed. If your physician prescribed a new medicine, make sure to discuss possible drug interactions or side effects. 

Living a healthy life with a heart failure diagnosis is within reach. Evaluate your behaviors and habits to make adjustments. Is your daily routine making your heart stronger? Can you modify parts of your diet to make it more heart-healthy? Take the time to be intentional about your health – you, your loved ones, and your body will thank you for it.