Take time to look after yourself1,2
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can improve heart failure symptoms and general health. It is important to look after your own health and wellbeing. You can also seek support from any of your friends or loved ones. Take a look below for some ideas on how you might maintain a healthy lifestyle with heart failure.
Monitor your weight
If you notice any unexpected changes in your weight seek medical advice.
Keep a healthy day-to-day diet
Try your best to maintain a balanced diet and avoid overly fatty foods.
Increase exercise at a safe and stable rate
Amount of exercise will vary from person to person, but regular, manageable exercise is recommended. A short walk is a great place to start
Avoid cigarettes
It is advisable to quit smoking. Cigarettes are full of harmful substances which will worsen your heart failure as well as increase the risk of developing other health issues.
Manage salt intake
Reducing the amount of salt you consume can help you to live a healthier lifestyle. Avoid table salt and season properly during cooking.
Manage alcohol intake
Alcohol affects your heart rate, so try your best to reduce or avoid alcohol consumption.
If you are unsure about how best to manage your salt and alcohol intake, or how much exercise you should be doing, please ask your healthcare professional team.
Patient Testimonial Videos
Learn about Stephen, Sarah and Gavin's experiences with heart failure and treatment.
Never stop taking your medication without first consulting your healthcare professional
When taking Entresto®, you may well experience side effects for example light-headedness and dizziness, which could make you feel as though the treatment is not good for you. Stopping your Entresto treatment may cause your heart condition to get worse. You should seek medical advice before you make the decision to stop taking it, even if you are feeling better.
YOURCHOICE
ENGAGE
Supporting you at every stage of your treatment journey
The Entresto® YOURCHOICE ENGAGE programme provides patients like you with valuable support on your treatment journey. Through regular emails we can support you in learning more about your Entresto® treatment, understand how to manage any possible side effects and even help you to find further helpful information and resources.
YOURCHOICE ENGAGE can also help you to:
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Find reliable and up-to-date information relevant to you
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Read and hear stories from other patients
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Learn tips to help you stay on track with your treatment
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Discover information and sources of emotional and well-being support
Planning for your next appointment
It is a great idea to outline a list of topics you would like to discuss at your next appointment with your healthcare professional. Below are some tips to help you prepare for your appointments to make the most out of your allotted time.
- Take note of how you are feeling on a day-to-day basis i.e., good days, challenging days, etc.
- Take somebody along with you
- Keep a log of your blood pressure
- Take your own research materials with you to share with your healthcare professional
- Go over any notes you take after your appointment
- Take a list of questions with you so you remember every topic you want to discuss
- Make a plan for your next appointment
For more information and advice about preparing for your appointments, download our guide here.
When should I seek support?
You should seek medical support from your doctor or healthcare professional team if you've noticed any change or worsening in the symptoms associated with heart failure.
It’s important to carry on doing the things that matter to you
Setting achievable goals specific to your own personal ability is a very important part of living with heart failure. Everybody is different, so your progress may be faster or slower than others. It’s a good idea to start slowly and gradually work your way up to a level you are comfortable with.
References
- NHS. Living with Heart Failure. Available online at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-failure/living-with/ [Last accessed: May 2023]
- Heart.org. Lifestyle Changes for Heart Failure. Available online at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/treatment-options-for-heart-failure/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-failure [Last accessed: May 2023]
UK | June 2023 | 172745-3