Lifestyle modifications
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After congestive heart failure is
diagnosed, treatment should be started immediately. Perhaps the most important
and yet most neglected aspect of treatment involves lifestyle modifications.
Sodium causes an increase in fluid accumulation in the body's tissues. Because
the body is often congested with excess fluid, patients become very sensitive
to the levels of intake of sodium and water. Restricting salt and fluid intake
is often recommended because of the tendency of fluid to accumulate in the
lungs and surrounding tissues. An American "no added salt" diet can
still contain 4 to 6 grams (4000 to 6000 milligrams) of sodium per day. In
individuals with congestive heart failure, an intake of no more than 2 grams
(2000 milligrams) of sodium per day is generally advised. Reading food labels
and paying close attention to total sodium intake is very important. Severe
restriction of alcohol consumption also is advised.
Likewise, the total amount of fluid
consumed must be regulated. Although many people with congestive heart failure
take diuretics to aid in the elimination of excess fluid, the action of these
medications can be overwhelmed by an excess intake of water and other fluids. The
maxim that "drinking eight glasses of water a day is healthy"
certainly does not apply to patients with congestive heart failure. In fact,
patients with more advanced cases of congestive heart failure are often advised
to limit their total daily fluid intake from all sources to 2 quarts. The above
guidelines for sodium and fluid intake may vary depending on the severity of
congestive heart failure in any given individual and should be discussed with
their physician.
Aerobic exercise, once discouraged for
congestive heart failure patients, has been shown to be beneficial in
maintaining overall functional capacity, quality of life, and perhaps even
improving survival.
If this way does not work, then you can
perform a medical treatment such as surgery, etc.
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