Managing heart disease can improve quality of life

February 25, 2015 American Heart Month, Dr. Guilherme V. Silva, Healthcare, Heart, Heart and Life, Heart Health

More than 82 million American adults are estimated to suffer from some form of heart disease, according to statistics from the American Heart Association. Damage to the heart that has developed over time can’t be cured. But it can be treated, quite often with strategies to improve symptoms.

As a cardiology intervention specialist, I want my patients to not just survive but thrive but that means they have to be willing to get involved in managing their condition.

Take it to Heart Care List

1. Take your medications every day as directed. If you are having problems with your medications, call your physician.

2. Restrict sodium. Keep in mind that 1,000-2,000 mg of sodium per day is the recommended daily allowance:

Remove the salt shaker from the table
Use foods low in sodium
Do not use salt substitute

3. Weigh yourself every morning after you use the bathroom and before you eat breakfast. Write it down.

4. Quit Smoking

5. Avoid Alcohol

6. Exercise Daily

Make sure you call your physician immediately if:

You have more difficulty breathing
You are getting more fatigues with normal activity
You gain more than two pounds over night or three pounds over a month
You are are more short of breath lying down or awaken at night short of breath
You have swelling of your feet or legs
You urinate less often during the day and more often at night
You have a bloated feeling or upset stomach
You have cramps in your legs
You have blurred vision or see yellow-green halos around objects or lights

And, be sure you should go to the emergency room if:

You have tightness or pain in your chest
You are extremely short of breath
You are coughing up pink-frothy mucus
You are traveling and develop symptoms of worsening heart failure seek medical attention immediately