Research shows that by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the progression of heart failure can be delayed, contributing to an improvement in the quality of life for patients. Heart failure is characterized by the heart becoming too weak to provide adequate circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
Symptoms of this condition include decreased ability to perform physical activities, increased fatigue, decreased arterial pressure, and frequency of heart attacks, shortness of breath, and irregular pulse. According to the German Heart Foundation, a healthy lifestyle is based on three main principles: healthy nutrition, regular physical activities, and the prevention of psychological stress.
People with heart failure must adhere to a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, legumes, and also prefer fish over red meat. It's essential to limit salt intake—no more than five grams per day, according to the recommendations from the World Health Organization—and also reduce sugar intake.
In addition to healthy nutrition, it's important to engage in physical activities combined with exercises to strengthen muscles and aerobic activities, such as swimming, cycling, rowing, and running. Such workouts should be done in reasonable limits to avoid excessive strain on the heart.
In the presence of anxiety, fear, and depression, it's good to employ relaxation methods such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, and listening to calming music. It's important to consult a doctor for permission for sports activities and recommendations for an appropriate type of physical activity and their frequency.
Causes of heart failure can vary, ranging from atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, heart valve diseases (congenital or acquired), arrhythmias, and hypertension to damage of the heart muscle itself. Daily efforts to improve the quality of life for people with heart failure help them cope with this serious condition.
