Heart Failure: Getting Support to Be More Active

It's common to want to do things on our own, without help. But if you have heart failure and you want to be more active, support from others can make all the difference.

Research shows that involving others really helps people reach their goals.

So, who could help you be more active, and how could they help you be more active?

"My neighbor and I walk to the neighborhood coffee shop three days a week. It's a standing date and when we're talking, I forget that I'm 'exercising.' " —Pat

Who is on your team?

Support could come from your care team, cardiac rehab, or a support group. Or it might come from family, friends, neighbors, or pets.

Stories of support

"I asked my doctor to help me make an activity plan that we review at each visit. She seemed relieved that I asked—and was glad to help in such a concrete way." —Dawn

"My dog is my best pal and motivator. His tail wagging gets me out of bed, and out of the house. When we're walking, people stop to pet him, and we talk. I'm not as lonely anymore." —Marco

"I love my water aerobics class. I feel like a kid again—all that laughing and splashing. And I love my online group because the people truly know what it's like to be in these shoes." —Sylvia

Your ideas

Take a minute to think about two or three people who could help you be more active.

If you want, you can write their names down here.

























How could others support you?

If you take time to write down some ideas, you'll be more likely to know what your next steps are. And that will help get you on the path to a healthier you.

Your ideas

When people have helped you before with other challenges, what kind of help was the most useful?










If you like verbal encouragement, what would you like to hear and from whom?










Do you need help with logistics? (This could include things like finances, transportation, research, or planning.) What kind would help most?










What activities, if any, would you be more likely to try with a friend or family member?










When is a good time to take the first step to reach out to someone to help you be more active—and do something that could be good for both of you?










"My family comes over and we play fitness video games. I never thought that computer games could be so much fun." —Jin

"My partner said I looked brighter and rosier after exercise. That helped me realize that exercise makes me feel younger and refreshed." —Pearl