Congestive heart failure is a medical condition under which the heart becomes incapable of pumping enough blood through the body. Congestive heart failure does not indicate that your heart has stopped functioning or would stop working in the future. It just indicates that your heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet your body requirements. If you have suffered from congestive heart failure, then here is some advice for you on how to live with this medical condition and to avoid any future problems.
It has been proved that people with congestive heart failure tend to retain a lot of liquid in their body, which can be a cause of concern. It is important that you weight yourself in the morning after urinating. Make this a daily practice and make sure that you urinate and do not eat or drink anything before weighing yourself. Keeping a track of your weight would help you in marking any significant weight changes that can be a result of fluid accumulation.
Have a look at your diet and check what you eat. Make sure that whatever you eat should be healthy. Avoid much of salt content in your food as this can lead to retention of liquids in the body. Keeping the body fluid level normal can help you live with congestive heart failure. If you are having a canned food, then check whether it mentions low-sodium content. If it is difficult to find canned food with low sodium content, then make sure that you wash the food before eating.
If you have a caregiver, then make sure that he/she accompanies you every time that you visit your doctor. This is to keep your caregiver updated on the symptoms that you might show in case of discomfort, and also to inform them about first aid and CPR that they can provide without any medical help. It is also important that you should be aware of the possible symptoms that can appear in the case of congestive heart failure. If you experience any symptoms, then it is important that you inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Usually, people with congestive heart failure develop other related diseases. It is important that you get your regular tests done that can keep you informed on your body condition, and make sure that you continuously have your medicines on time. Any alteration that you observe should be immediately reported to the doctor.
It is also important that you lead an active lifestyle. Include some exercises in your schedule. A morning or evening walk would do better in your health. However, also keep in mind that you should not exert yourself and work out within your limits. It is better that you ask your doctor about the exercises that you can perform and what should be the possible exercise schedule that you should follow. Also, keep all the anxiety and frustrations away as this can lead to some health problems.
Living a life successfully with congestive heart failure requires you to discipline yourself. There are a number of people who do so and avoid any further complications. Following a healthy living is your key to live with congestive heart failure.