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Lifestyle modification is the first step in treating heart failure. The St. Joseph Heart Center experts may advise rest and reduction of daily exertion, or may recommend a supervised exercise program. To combat fluid retention, you may be told to avoid salty foods, rest with feet elevated or take diuretics (medications that lead the body to produce more urine). Modfications include:
- decreasing your sodium (salt) intake to < 2000mg /day and drinking < 8 8oz. glasses /day of fluid (including H2O, juice, soda, coffee…)
- weighing yourself every morning
- taking your medications as prescribed. Some of the medications may include diuretics "water pills" that help you get rid of extra fluid and heart medications to decrease the workload on your heart and make it work more efficiently.
In addition to changes in lifestyle, the Heart Center team will work with you to determine which medications would be most effective as part of your treatment plan. Vasodilators (also known as ACE inhibitors) and Beta Blockers work by expanding blood vessels and allowing blood to flow more easily. Digitalis strengthens the heart's pumping actions. Dobutamine and milrinone help the heart contract more forcefully.
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