Q. How can I live longer with congestive heart failure?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Living with congestive heart failure (CHF) can be a challenge, but there are some steps you can take to prolong your life expectancy.

The first step is to make sure that you follow the doctor’s orders for managing CHF through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular checkups. This includes taking your prescribed medications on time and consistently monitoring your heart rate and other vital signs. It also means making changes to reduce the strain on your heart such as quitting smoking, reducing salt intake in your diet, incorporating regular exercise into your routine (even if it’s just going for a walk once a day), avoiding alcohol consumption or caffeine that raises blood pressure levels, eating smaller meals more often throughout the day rather than one large meal all at once, and managing stress by practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

It is also important to recognize warning signs of complications early so proper treatment can be pursued quickly. Those with CHF should look out for shortness of breath/chest pain when lying down or during activity; fatigue even after rest; swollen legs/ankles due to fluid buildup; dizziness after sudden movement; irregular heartbeat; rapid weight gain from fluid retention; decreased appetite leading to weight loss over time; pale skin coloration from anemia caused by reduced oxygen flow in blood vessels; irregular sleep patterns due to interrupted breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea); and persistent coughing with phlegm colored pinkish-brown from excess fluid accumulation in lungs.

Finally, seeking additional treatments such as oxygen therapy when necessary as well as social support groups can help improve quality of life too! With proper management of symptoms coupled with healthy lifestyle choices those living with CHF can extend their lives significantly longer than previously thought possible!

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