Cardiac failure is a serious heart disease, but with reasonable daily living adjustments, patients can effectively reduce symptoms, improve the quality of life and slow progress.
The principle of low-salt diet is followed in diet. Excessive salinity causes water retention in the body and increases the heart burden. The daily intake of salt for patients should be contained in 3 – 5 grams, reducing the consumption of high salt foods such as pickles, pickles and ham. At the same time, in order to control liquid ingestion and avoid the use of large quantities of drinking water or irritating drinks such as strong tea, coffee and so forth in a short period of time, daily liquid intake is generally appropriate at 1,500 – 2000 ml and can be adjusted for urine. The dietary structure should increase the intake of nutritious and digestive foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, skinny meat, fish, low-fat dairy products, and ensure an adequate supply of protein, vitamins and minerals, which will help to maintain the normal functioning of the heart and the nutritional needs of the body. For example, it is good for the heart to eat more of the potassium-rich fruit such as bananas and oranges.
The balance between rest and activity is also crucial. Cardiac failure requires adequate rest to reduce the heart burden, but prolonged bedtime can lead to muscle loss and poor blood circulation. The patient shall organize his activities in accordance with his or her heart function. When the heart function is good, aerobics can be performed with moderate aerobics, such as walking, Tai Chi, and so on, for 20 – 30 minutes at a time and 3-5 times a week. In the exercise, care should be taken to observe its own reactions, such as breathing difficulties, chest pains and dizziness, and the exercise should cease immediately and rest. At the same time, adequate sleep time is guaranteed every day, a regular habit of resting, avoidance of lateness and overwork, and a suitable midday break at noon to alleviate fatigue.
Weight management cannot be ignored. Daily weight monitoring is an important means of understanding changes in conditions. If there is a significant increase in body weight in the short term, i.e., a weight gain of more than 2 kg within 3 days may indicate an increase in water retention in the body, timely medical adjustment treatment is required. Patients should retain appropriate weight to avoid obesity and increase heart load.
Emotions also have a significant impact on heart health. People with heart failure are prone to arrhythmia, depression, etc., which further increases the heart burden and creates a vicious circle. Patients learn to regulate themselves and remain optimistic and positive. Psychological stress can be alleviated by communicating with family and friends, participating in social events, developing hobbyes such as drawings, calligraphy, etc. and, if necessary, seeking help from a psychologist.
In addition, the living environment should be adjusted. Maintain indoor air flow and appropriate temperature to avoid cold, wet and hot environments. Wetifiers or air conditioners can be used to regulate indoor humidity and temperature. The patient’s bed shall choose a comfortable and supported mattress to facilitate physical relaxation and breathing during sleep.
The day-to-day adjustment of patients with heart failure is a comprehensive and long-term process that requires the joint efforts of the patients themselves and their families. Through scientificly sound adjustments in food, rest, exercise, psychology and so on, patients are better able to live with the disease, to improve their comfort and satisfaction in life, to protect their heart ‘ s health, and to keep the flowers of life in bloom.
Therefore, we need to pay better attention to living habits and put ourselves in a good living environment so that our heart can be healthier.
