Coping with Heart Failure
Sometimes it is not easy to change the way
you do things. With heart failure, making
change is actually part of your treatment. It
can improve the way you feel and also your
health.
Now that I feel better, when can I
return to my regular activities?
You can go back to your regular activities as
soon as you feel better, but follow your
doctor’s guidelines. Increase your activities
slowly. Always listen to your body so you
know when it’s time to take a rest break.
Returning to work
If you have been in the hospital for your heart
failure, your doctor will tell you when you can
return to work after you go home. It will
depend on your overall health, symptoms and
how quickly you recover.
Try to work as long as you are able. If you
have a job that requires a lot of physical work,
you may need to make some changes. It may
be job re-training or taking disability. Talk to
your doctor about the type of job you have.
Your doctor can help you decide if your job
will affect your heart condition and if you
need to make changes.
Take care of your emotional health
Your diagnosis of heart failure, your symptoms and your concern for the future may
cause you and your loved ones to feel
depressed or worried. Your concerns are
normal. As you begin taking charge of your
health and making positive changes, you may
find these feelings start to fade. However, if
negative feelings continue and interfere with
your ability to enjoy life, talk to your doctor.
Seeing a counselor can help you re-think some
of your worries. It might help you feel better.
Tips to help you deal with
emotional blues
• Get out and walk every day.
• Get dressed every day.
• Keep up with activities or hobbies you enjoy.
• Talk about the way your feel with your
spouse, a friend or someone from your church.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Follow your treatment plan.
• Set a realistic daily schedule, and follow it.
Tips for a worry-free vacation
You may travel as soon as you feel better, but
always take doctor’s phone number in case
you have problems.
• Always take all of your medicines with you.
Make sure you have enough to last throughout
your trip.
• If you are traveling by plane, carry your
medicines with you. Never check them with
your luggage. You may need a letter from your
health care provider that verifies all of your
medicines, especially if you are traveling
internationally. Keep this letter and your
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doctor’s phone number with your medicines.
• Be careful to avoid infection. In areas where
the water might be unsafe, drink bottled water
or other beverages. Order them without ice.
Swim only in chlorinated pools.
• Select food and drink carefully to avoid illness. When you are away from home it is easy
to overeat and also get eat too much sodium,
especially when you eat in restaurants.
even if you find it hard to talk to them. They
can still be a good source of support.
• Spend time doing things you enjoy. This
may include a favorite hobby or time spent
meditating, praying, or being with people you
care about.
• Don’t keep it a secret. Tell your close friends
and family members what you learn about
heart failure. Invite family members along
when you visit your healthcare provider.
Ways to feel better
Try not to withdraw from family and friends,
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