How to Reverse Heart Failures
Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping as well as it is supposed to. Your body will compensate for this by retaining water and salt or pumping the heart more quickly. The heart may also become enlarged.
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Instructions
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1
Visit your doctor if you suspect heart failure, or if chronic heart disease runs in your family. Heart problems are often hereditary.
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2
Get a referral to see a cardiologist if your doctor cannot immediately diagnose the cause of your heart problems. You may be required to undergo a series of tests, including blood tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, CT or MRI scan, or an angiogram.
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3
Understand the diagnosis your cardiologist provides to you. Treatment for heart failure will depend on the diagnosis. For example, one of the heart valves may require replacement, or you may need a pacemaker or a replacement pump (the latter of which is still experimental, according to the Mayo Clinic).
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4
Follow the doctor's orders following diagnosis and surgery. You will likely be required to take medication to ensure a stable blood pressure. It is important that you do as your cardiologist instructs in order for your heart to stay healthy.
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5
Develop a lifestyle that will ensure heart disease prevention. This includes limiting salt intake, getting an appropriate amount of exercise and living stress-free. Get your doctor's advice on any new exercise or nutrition program, and if stress is a problem it may be helpful to visit a therapist or another mental health professional.
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Tips & Warnings
If you haven't been diagnosed with heart failure but are worried about it because it is hereditary or you show early signs, try the recommendations in Step 5.
Heart failure is a serious medical problem and should not be diagnosed nor treated without the advice of a cardiologist or qualified physician.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit U.S. National Institutes of Health
