eat a healthy diet. limit your consumption of salt (sodium) to less than 2 000 milligrams (2 grams) each day. eat foods high in fiber and potassium. limit foods high in fat cholesterol and sugar. reduce total daily intake of calories to lose weight if necessary. exercise regularly. a regular cardiovascular exercise program prescribed by your doctor will improve symptoms and strength and make you feel better. it may also decrease heart failure progression. don't overdo it. plan your activities and include rest periods during the day. certain activities such as pushing or pulling heavy objects and shoveling may worsen heart failure. prevent respiratory infections. ask your doctor about flu and pneumonia vaccines. take your medications as prescribed. do not stop taking them without first contacting your doctor. get emotional or psychological support if needed. heart failure can be difficult for your whole family. if you have questions ask your doctor or nurse. if you need emotional support social workers psychologists clergy and heart failure support groups are a phone call away. ask your doctor or nurse to point you in the right direction.
how can i improve my quality of life with heart failure?