Choosing a heart healthy lifestyle means maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol.
- Record your weight every day. Weigh yourself every morning and write it down. Weight gain may signal that your body is holding on to water. This means your heart failure is getting worse. Weigh yourself every morning at the same time, and write your weight on a calendar or chart. Call your doctor or nurse if you gain more than two pounds overnight or more than five pounds in a week.
- Smoking is bad for everyone, but it is especially bad for people with heart failure. Smoking may make your heart failure worse. Quitting can be difficult, but you can do it! Ask your doctor or nurse about the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) Quit Smoking Program, or join a program in your community.
- Avoid alcohol. Most doctors say avoid drinking alcohol if you have heart failure. Ask your doctor what is best for you.
- Follow up with your doctor and nurse. One of the best ways to take care of your heart is to keep in contact with your doctor or nurse. By closely watching your symptoms and calling your doctor or nurse with any changes, you may be able to prevent a hospital stay. Keep in contact with your doctor or nurse, and take control of your heart failure!!!
Choosing a heart healthy lifestyle means maintaining a healthy
weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol. Record your weight
every day. Weigh yourself every morning and write it down. Weight
gain may signal that your body is holding on...
More
Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:Choosing a heart healthy lifestyle means maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol.
