About one in four women and men in the United States will develop heart failure in their lifetime. Now you’re one of them.
Even though you may have felt your world shatter when your doctor gave you your diagnosis, heart failure doesn’t have to be the end of the world. With expert care and lifestyle adjustments, you can live a full and rich life.
Dr. Ola Akinboboye, our expert cardiologist, thoroughly assesses the severity and type of your heart failure. He then customizes a treatment plan at our Rosedale, Queens, New York, office to help you live your best life.
How can you live a full and rich life, even with heart failure? Follow this guide we’ve prepared for you.
Heart failure is a serious, incurable condition. But the more you learn about your disease, the better you and Dr. Akinboboye can design a treatment plan and lifestyle changes to help you stay as healthy as possible.
Feel free to bring Dr. Akinboboye questions about your health and lifestyle choices. As you learn more about your disease, you can better understand your treatment plan and why it’s so important to be compliant.
Even if you believe your medication’s not working, or if you experience side effects, don’t stop taking your prescriptions on your own. Always discuss the way the medication makes you feel with Dr. Akinboboye.
He may adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication, based on your symptoms and tests. Stay compliant, but also stay in touch. It’s better to come see us for another adjustment than it is to try to stop your medication or to experiment with other remedies you might find on the internet.
When you learn that your diet must change to ease pressure on your heart, you may feel like a key source of comfort has been taken from you. Food — especially familiar foods — can make us feel safe and part of a community.
However, it’s important to limit sodium (i.e., salt) intake and also fluid intake to avoid fluid build-up that could stress your heart. That doesn’t mean you have to eat tasteless foods. It does mean you need to find new ways to prepare and enjoy your meals.
Avoid prepared and processed foods. Focus on plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, high-quality lean protein, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes. Make up for the lack of salt with sodium-free spices and condiments, such as:
Also, avoid unhealthy fats, such as saturated fats from fatty meats and shortening. Avocados, nuts, and seeds are examples of healthy fats. Use olive oil or avocado oil when cooking. Choose low-fat dairy.
You can continue to eat out as a treat, but be careful. This guide from the American Heart Association helps you make healthy choices at your favorite restaurants.
Exercise is important for heart health, especially with heart failure. However, it’s even more important to find activities that make you happy, so you’re more likely to be compliant.
As part of your work-up, Dr. Akinboboye evaluates your fitness level. He then takes that into consideration when helping you devise an exercise plan. You can have a variety of activities to keep your body in motion, including:
Be sure to check with us before starting an exercise program on your own, though. We ensure your activities are heart-healthy and may require you to undergo a stress test first.
If you have another health condition, such as diabetes, it’s essential that you adhere to any medications or lifestyle changes recommended. You should also ensure you quit unhealthy habits or have any contributing conditions treated. This could include:
All the systems and organs in your body affect one another, and they all affect how you feel. If you’re battling a mental health issue, such as substance use or depression, let us know. We can refer you to a counselor to ease the stress.
Do you need a treatment plan for your heart failure, or are you experiencing signs that your heart is under stress, such as trouble breathing or chest pain? Call our help team at 718-208-4816 or use our online outreach form to schedule an appointment for heart failure treatment today.
