Heart Failure: Having a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Taking an active role in your treatment can strongly affect how you feel. A heart-healthy lifestyle can help you feel better and improve your health so that you can enjoy life.

Do not smoke

If you smoke, quit. It may be the most important step you can take to protect your heart. Avoid secondhand smoke too. Stop-smoking programs, medicines, and counseling boost your chances of quitting for good.

Exercise

Regular physical activity is good for your heart. Being active makes your heart stronger and can help you feel better.

  • Do not start to exercise until you have talked with your doctor. Together you can make an exercise program that is enjoyable and safe for you.
  • With your doctor, plan how often, how long, and how hard you will be active. Don't exercise too hard because it can put stress on your heart.
  • If your doctor has not set you up with a cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program, ask if it's right for you. Cardiac rehab can give you education and support that help you stay as healthy as possible.
  • When you exercise, watch for signs that your heart is working too hard. You are pushing yourself too hard if you cannot talk while you are exercising. If you become short of breath or dizzy or have chest pain, stop, sit down, and rest.

Eat in a heart-healthy way

Making good food choices can have a big impact on your health. The focus of a heart-healthy diet is to add more healthy foods to your diet and cut back on foods that are not so good for you. To have a heart-healthy diet:

  • Eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains.
  • Choose foods that are low in saturated fat.
  • Choose lean meats such as fish and skinless poultry.
  • Limit sodium. Your doctor can tell you how much sodium is right for you.
  • Limit drinks and foods with added sugar.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol. Ask your doctor how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you.

Stay at a healthy weight

Lose weight if you need to. Your doctor can help you make a plan to lose weight.

Avoid getting sick

Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and the flu. Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine shot. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Encourage those you live with to also get recommended vaccines.

If you do get sick, check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter cold medicines.

Manage other health problems

Manage other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Tell your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping. Let your doctor know if you feel sad or hopeless much of the time, or if you are worried and anxious.

If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.

Do you have any questions or concerns after reading this information? It's a good idea to write them down and take them to your next doctor visit.