Diagnosis Specific Information

Improving Quality of Life While Living with Congestive Heart Failure

· 6 min read
Doctor carying out blood pressure test and heart rate of senior man. Checking health condition elder patient suffering from arterial hypertension

 When an individual is diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, he or she may feel as though their life will never be the same.
In some cases, that may be correct, whereas other people may live happily with Congestive Heart Failure for several years. Congestive Heart Failure’s impact on an individual’s daily life will greatly depend on their condition, the severity of his or her symptoms and their overall lifestyle. Quality of life will vary, and any concerns should be addressed by a medical professional.

Improving Quality of Life with Congestive Heart Failure

Depending on the particular diagnosis of the individual with Congestive Heart Failure, improving quality of life is both possible and achievable. Living with Congestive Heart Failure does not have to mean being confined into a home, unable to perform daily tasks. However, this disease should always be taken as a serious condition and exercise, diets or lifestyle changes should always be run by a medical professional, as the same factors that will help improve quality of life for one person may not be right for another. A medical professional will be able to go over treatment options, long term and short-term options as well as finalizing a treatment plan.

If the individual living with CHF is cleared for proper exercise by their doctor, dedicating roughly 30-minutes a day to exercise could be beneficial for those living with heart failure. The intensity and type of exercise will be highly dependent on several factors including the individuals age, strength, flexibility and overall capability. Different types of exercises for those with heart failure includes but is not limited to:

  • Weight lifting
  • Yoga
  • Stretching
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Outdoor or stationary bike riding
  • Rowing
  • Aerobics on land or in water

Working out will not only increase the strength of the individual with heart failure, but it may give them a sense of purpose and improve their overall mood. By simply taking 30 minutes out of their day, he or she may also start to feel more energized through out the day, sleep better at night and may notice weight loss or increased muscle mass. An improved overall mood can also help the individual feel better about their condition and have a more positive outlook on life.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure

It is important to note that there are serious symptoms to look out for when an individual with heart failure exercises. Serious symptoms or complications include:

  • Abnormal shortness of breath outside the usual feeling of catching breath while engaging in physical activity
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Abnormal pain or pressure
Another way to improve quality of life while living with heart failure is to practice an all-around healthier lifestyle.

Not only does this include incorporating exercise into their daily routine, but dedication to have a well-balanced diet and cut out certain habits that no longer serve a positive purpose for them. Below are some tips for those who are living with Congestive Heart Failure and wish to improve their overall quality of life.

  • Eating a well-balanced diet, as prescribed by a medical professional. Diets are not one-size-fits-all, as each person will need different foods in order to live a healthy life. This will help the individual with maintaining a healthy weight as well.
  • Avoiding alcohol in excess
  • Quitting smoking and other tobacco usage
  • Reducing stress and being in a healthier and happier mental state
  • Getting enough sleep each night. On average, it is best to get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night.

One of the biggest ways to improve quality of life for an individual with heart failure is to follow the prescribed care plan as stated by their medical professional. Whether that is with diet and exercise or through prescribed medication, a medical professional should be the only person to decide a care plan for congestive heart failure patients. Improving quality of life should be a priority of the medical professional, so it is safe to say that their professional opinion will not lead an individual astray. Following their advised plan gives the individual with heart failure the best chance of living a healthy, happy and prosperous life with heart failure.

Can In-Home Care Help Individuals with Heart Failure?

In-home care can help an individual with heart failure live a happier and more fulfilled life. Generally speaking, Congestive Heart Failure will impede an individual’s ability to accomplish the daily tasks that they were achieving previously to their condition. An in-home caregiver can assist an individual with Congestive Heart Failure accomplish the daily tasks that he or she may not be able to do on their own.

A 24hr homecare caregiver woman helping an elderly woman by holding her arm and a drink

Such tasks include meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, personal assistance and companionship. Not only can an in-home caregiver help an individual with these tasks, but they can provide them with a support system when they go to doctors’ offices or run errands. With an in-home caregiver, an individual with heart failure can carry out the tasks that he or she can handle, with the comfort of knowing they always have support if they need it. In-home caregivers can give an individual with heart failure their freedom, happiness and overall joy for life in a time when they need it most.

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