Put on a "special cotton-padded jacket" for your heart: Home care guidance for patients with heart failure

Author: Wang Huan The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University

Reviewer: Xie Qiuyou, Chief Physician, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University

Heart failure sounds scary, as if the heart is about to go on strike. In fact, heart failure is an abnormal state in which the heart's pumping function is reduced, which can lead to insufficient blood supply to the whole body, just like a sudden problem with the battery of a mobile phone. Although it is still running, it has affected the normal use of the phone. So when heart failure occurs, in addition to seeking the help of professional doctors, what can patients do themselves? In fact, the role that patients themselves can play is not small! If home care is done well, the heart can "extend life" and make you live more comfortably! Today, let's talk about home care for patients with heart failure and see how to put on a "special little cotton-padded jacket" for the heart.

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1. What is heart failure?

Heart failure, the full name of which is "heart failure", means that the heart's "working capacity" has decreased. The heart is responsible for pumping blood to all parts of the body. Once heart failure occurs, the amount of blood pumped by the heart decreases and cannot meet the needs of various organs and tissues in the body, which will make people feel powerless, breathless, and prone to edema.

Although heart failure cannot be cured, reasonable home care can greatly improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. To put it bluntly, even if the heart is "fading", we can still "restore" it!

2. How to avoid falling into the “pit” of heart failure?

In order to prevent heart failure from getting worse, we must first understand the "pitfalls" of heart failure and not fall into them accidentally! These small misunderstandings in daily life may be the "black hands" that aggravate heart failure.

1. Drinking too much water puts a lot of pressure on the heart

Drinking too much water does not "replenish water" for the heart, but "increases pressure", so patients with heart failure should pay attention to water restriction. Doctors usually recommend that patients with heart failure drink no more than 1.5 liters of water per day. Of course, the specific situation needs to be determined according to the patient's condition.

2. Eating too much salt can damage your heart

If you eat too much salt, the sodium in your body will exceed the standard, leading to water retention and "flooding" in the body, which will increase the burden on the heart. A low-salt diet is a "lifesaver" for patients with heart failure. According to the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022)", the daily salt intake of adults should be controlled below 5 grams, but since the condition of each heart failure patient is different, the specific salt intake limit should be adjusted by the doctor according to the individual condition of the patient.

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3. Rapid weight gain, heart "overload"

Weight management is the "top priority" for heart failure patients! For heart failure patients, sudden weight gain may mean more water accumulation in the body, and the heart has to bear more workload, so heart failure patients should measure their weight regularly. Once they find that their weight has increased sharply, they should be alert to the possibility of edema or worsening of the disease and seek medical attention in time.

4. Staying at home makes your heart more lazy

Many heart failure patients think they can't exercise, but in fact, moderate exercise can help the heart recover. Of course, the intensity of exercise should follow the doctor's advice. Don't dream of running a marathon, but daily walking and stretching are fine. Please remember that a heart that doesn't move will become "lazier". Moving will make your heart more "powerful"!

3. Four magic weapons for home care of patients with heart failure

In order to prevent heart failure from worsening, patients with heart failure need to take medication regularly as prescribed by their doctor. Medication treatment is crucial for patients with heart failure. Do not stop taking medication without authorization just because you feel your condition has improved, as this may cause symptoms to worsen. In addition, patients with heart failure should have regular checkups to monitor the functional status of the heart and the progression of the disease to avoid emergencies.

Of course, if we want to take good care of our heart and prevent it from "collapse", we also need to master the "magic weapon" of home care, which is like a "bodyguard" prepared for our heart.

1. Daily monitoring: weighing, measuring blood pressure, and checking edema

Weigh yourself: Heart failure patients need to weigh themselves every morning after getting up and urinating. If your weight suddenly increases by more than 2 kg, it is likely that you have retained water and sodium, and you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is not caused by eating a few more pieces of cake, but your heart is sending an alarm!

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Measure blood pressure: Fluctuations in blood pressure will directly affect the heart's workload. Pay attention to changes in your blood pressure at any time. If your blood pressure is too high or too low, see a doctor as soon as possible to adjust your medication plan.

Look for swelling: Body swelling is a common symptom of heart failure, especially in the ankles, legs and abdomen. If you find that the swelling is getting worse, it may mean that the heart is protesting.

2. Diet management: light diet is the "favorite" of the heart

Many people mistakenly believe that a light diet means white porridge with vegetables. In fact, a low-salt, low-fat, high-fiber diet is the key to dietary management. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein, and reduce the intake of high-fat, high-salt foods and processed foods. Patients with heart failure cannot "let themselves go" and must strictly follow the doctor's dietary recommendations.

3. Moderate exercise: Walking slowly is more effective than playing games

Heart failure patients are not completely unable to move. On the contrary, proper exercise is good for the heart. Slow walking, strolling, and easy stretching exercises are all good choices for heart failure patients. However, the intensity of exercise must be controlled to avoid excessive fatigue, otherwise the heart will not be able to bear it.

4. Emotional management: Don’t let your heart be “scared”

Feeling down? Anxious? Stressed? These negative emotions are the "enemies" of the heart! It is very important for patients with heart failure to maintain emotional stability. Patients with heart failure should learn to relax and release stress, such as meditating, listening to music, or chatting with relatives and friends. The heart does not like "stormy" mood swings!

4. Beware of common misunderstandings and don’t get fooled!

1. Myth 1: Drinking a little wine is good for your heart!

Alcohol is not good for the heart, but it will accelerate heart damage. People with heart failure should avoid drinking alcohol, otherwise their heart may "strike" faster.

2.Misconception 2: Heart failure can be cured by just taking medicine!

Drug treatment is only part of controlling heart failure, and home care is the long-term solution. The health of the heart is not only maintained by drugs, but also requires our careful "care" in life.

3. Misconception 3: I get out of breath when I move, so I might as well not exercise!

Although heart failure patients are prone to fatigue and shortness of breath, not exercising at all can make the heart weaker. Moderate exercise can help the heart strengthen its function, so heart failure patients should never be lazy.

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Home care for patients with heart failure is like putting on a "special little cotton-padded jacket" for the heart. By limiting water, eating a low-salt diet, and exercising moderately, the burden on the heart can be effectively reduced and the progression of the disease can be slowed down. Don't forget that daily weight measurement, blood pressure monitoring, and emotional management are all "secret weapons" to protect the heart. Let's use scientific care methods to protect this little "engine" of the heart and keep it beating!