A lifetime of care and management is necessary for chronic heart disease, a serious medical condition. While medical treatment is crucial in controlling symptoms and preventing complications, managing heart disease doesn’t stop at the doctor’s office. Much of the day-to-day management happens at home, where lifestyle choices and self-care practices significantly impact the progression of the disease.
In this post, we’ll look at doable tactics and advice for managing chronic heart disease at home.
What Is Chronic Heart Disease?
The term “chronic heart disease” describes a variety of disorders that gradually deteriorate the structure and function of the heart. Complications like heart failure, heart attacks, or stroke frequently result from it.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and problems with the heart valves are common forms of chronic heart disease. These conditions may result from various factors, including lifestyle choices, genetics, and underlying health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or obesity.
If not managed properly, they can prove to be fatal. Many US states are already grappling with the challenges of heart conditions. For instance, an NCBI article states that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Missouri. It was followed by cancer and Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021.
Practical Tips for Coping at Home
There is no cure for chronic heart disease, but appropriate treatment and care can improve one’s quality of life. This requires continuous care and a long-term alliance with one’s healthcare provider.
Many practical tips can help you cope with these conditions. The most fundamental action you can take is to get expert assistance. If your health is not good and is deteriorating, you are advised to hire home care services. These service providers have a team of medical professionals who can offer you 24/7 assistance, but not all of them are equal.
You need to take the staff’s experience and educational background into account when choosing the best option. Moreover, the location plays a vital role. Hiring local services can provide quick and better care, especially during emergencies.
Let’s consider the example of Missouri, where heart diseases are the leading cause of death, to understand this. Suppose you live in this state with a medical problem. In that case, hiring a service provider from another state is not advised, as accessing them when needed can be difficult.
Therefore, in such cases, you should choose a care provider with registered nurses in Missouri. The good thing is that you will easily find many nurses in the state because of the growing job opportunities. The 2022 Workforce Report from the Missouri Hospital Association states that around 19.8% of nursing positions were vacant in 2022.
Moreover, there’s also a rise in online and accelerated programs. Rockhurst University states that those with an undergraduate degree in any field can switch to nursing with accelerated courses. The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) acknowledges the previous coursework completed for other degrees while focusing on nursing aspects.
Once you find the right healthcare service provider, you can focus on other practical aspects of managing chronic health conditions. Here are some examples of what can be done:
Adopting a Heart-Healthy Diet
To create a personalized meal plan that meets your dietary needs and restrictions, consider speaking with a registered dietitian. You can use liquid plant oils like olive oil instead of tropical palm oil.
To create a personalized meal plan that meets your dietary needs and restrictions, you should also think about speaking with a registered dietitian. Instead of eating tropical palm oil, you can switch to liquid plant oils like olive oil.
According to Harvard Health, many diets can be followed. It stresses avoiding sugary and fatty foods and consuming abundant fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Changing to a Mediterranean diet is an alternative. It emphasizes fruits, whole grains, and legumes while limiting sodium, sugar-filled beverages, and highly processed foods.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Obesity and excess weight can worsen cardiovascular health and place undue strain on the heart. A balanced diet, frequent exercise, and portion control should all help you get to and maintain a healthy weight. Even a tiny weight loss can have a significant beneficial effect on heart and general health.
A Nature Journal study, which included 31,955 participants, concluded that obesity is directly proportional to heart disease risk. The study had a median follow-up of over 12 years. It was found that people who are obese were 1.31 times more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases.
Staying Physically Active
Frequent exercise is essential for controlling weight, enhancing circulation, and fortifying the heart muscle. According to health guidelines, one should engage in moderate aerobic activities for at least 150 minutes a week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Exercises for strength training should also be included to promote overall cardiovascular fitness and muscle growth. Before beginning any exercise program, always get advice from your healthcare provider, particularly if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Managing Stress
Prolonged stress can worsen the symptoms of heart disease and raise the possibility of complications. According to The American Journal of Medicine, the association between stress and cardiovascular health is not as strong as that with diabetes and obesity. However, it does exist, and there’s no denying that.
Practice stress-relieving methods like yoga, tai chi, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to enhance emotional well-being and relaxation. Decide what your favorite activities are and schedule time for them each day to help you de-stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chronic Heart Disease Be Cured?
Although there is no known cure for chronic heart disease, it can be effectively managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and medical interventions. Treatment aims to control symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
Is It Safe to Exercise With Chronic Heart Disease?
Exercise is generally safe for people with chronic heart disease, but it’s important to speak with your doctor before beginning a program. Your healthcare professional can give personalized advice based on your medical background, present health, and degree of fitness.
Are There Any Dietary Supplements That Can Help Manage Chronic Heart Disease?
While dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and garlic may benefit heart health, discussing their use with your healthcare provider is essential. Supplements should not replace prescribed medications or recommended lifestyle changes; their safety and effectiveness may vary.
To sum up, living with chronic heart disease presents unique challenges. However, when you have the right support, you can effectively manage your condition and lead fulfilling lives. By prioritizing these practical tips, individuals can take control of their health and well-being, ultimately reducing the burden of heart disease and improving long-term outcomes. Remember, small changes made consistently can make a significant difference in managing chronic heart disease.