Having a healthy lifestyle is so important for everyone, and this doesn’t just include the things you eat. Of course, having a healthy balanced diet is a huge part of healthy living but it is often the other aspects that are forgotten. It is these aspects of having a healthy lifestyle that can not only prevent us from becoming ill, but it can also help combat diseases and conditions after diagnosis.

If you have heart failure, for example, alongside your current heart failure treatment plan there are lots of easy steps you can take that make a big difference in how you feel. To help anyone that has recently been diagnosed with heart failure and is looking for some healthy living advice, Pumping Marvellous have put together a list of realistic life changes you can make.

Quit smoking

Smoking is bad for you for so many reasons, but when heart failure is concerned the quicker you are able to quit, the better. Every puff of nicotine from tobacco will temporarily increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as lowering the amount of oxygen in your blood. This lack of oxygen leads to clumping in the blood vessels feeding the heart.

Quitting smoking may be one of the most important steps to take to live a healthier life, the majority of people who quit smoking are likely to have their heart failure symptoms improve.

Avoid or limit alcohol

Alcohol is very controversial and some say that it is worse for you than others do, but again, when it comes to suffering from heart failure, avoiding or limiting alcohol can make a big difference. Drinking alcohol may make you’re heart weaker and it is said that heavy use of alcohol also increases the risk of numerous other health problems.

Having said that, everyone’s situation is different. So, talk to your doctor about whether or not it’s safe for you to have alcohol every now and then. They will be able to advise you further.

Be physically active

Exercise is an important part of life for everyone and the NHS advises that daily activity is good. When diagnosed with heart failure, regular moderate physical activity can be really beneficial. It improves your blood flow and also helps to control your weight. Try to schedule physical activity at the same time every day so it becomes a regular part of your lifestyle.

If you have a diagnosis of heart failure it is important that you go through supervised cardiac rehabilitation so that clinically you can be approved for exercise. It also helps you understand your limits. After going through these rehabilitation programs you will be safe to exercise.

Limit your stress

To a certain extent, stress is a normal part of life and everyone will experience stress of some form. Of course, too much stress can cause problems and can have a really negative impact on your life. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure then try to be aware of how you’re feeling and how these feelings are affecting your life.

You can reduce the stress you’re experiencing by understanding what you can control and what you cannot. Focus on the things you can manage and take them one step at a time.

Keep from getting sick

Getting sick is quite a common part of life and the majority of people will get a cold at least once during the winter months. However, illnesses like flu pose greater danger for people who have heart failure than for healthier people. They can place extra stress on your heart, and you want to avoid doing this as much as possible.

Ideally, you should get a flu vaccine every year, as soon as it’s available. If you do get poorly then you need to check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter cold medicines. It is also advisable to have a pneumonia vaccine as well.

Living a healthier life with heart failure

The five small lifestyle changes mentioned above can really make a big difference in the way you feel day-to-day. There are so many people in the UK that are living well with heart failure and you can too. Suffering from heart failuredoesn’t have to define you and the quality of life that you have.

Both treatment and healthier living with heart failure aim to control the symptoms you’re experiencing for as long as possible and slow down the progression of the condition. In this day and age, management of heart failure more achievable than ever before and with the help of medical professionals and specialist charities, you will get all of the support you require.