Heart Failure

Other Ways to Improve Heart Function

Lose weight if you are too heavy. The heart does not have to beat as hard to send blood to all parts of a slim body.

Avoid hard exercise and lifting heavy objects to prevent sudden pumping demands on your heart.

Mild exercise - Your doctor may ask that you take daily walks or join a cardiac rehab program. Over time this may strengthen your heart muscle.

Loose clothing - Wear clothing that permit good blood flow in the legs. Garters, hose with tight tops may slow blood flow to your legs and cause clots.

Avoid temperature extremes - The body works harder to keep body temperature normal when you are too hot or too cold.

Avoid colds and flu - Try to stay away from people who have colds or the flu. Ask your doctor is you should have a yearly flu shop and the one-time pneumonia shot.

Alcohol consumption - Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol (if any) is OK for you. Since alcohol weakens the heart, heart failure may improve if you stop drinking.

More tips:

Keep your friends and family up-to-date on your health status
Get plenty of rest
Drink water instead of caffeine drinks and soft drinks (not too much)
Get a flu vaccine every fall
Get a pneumonia vaccine
Avoid sick individuals
Keep you legs elevated when sitting
Listen to your body - on days you feel well do more and on days you feel sick do less

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Last Reviewed: Feb 11, 2009

Ileana L Piña, MD
Professor, VA Quality Scholar
Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University