Congestive heart failure is a very serious disease and none of these suggestions should be tried without first consulting your physician.
Try a heart-friendly herb. The leaves and flowers of the herb hawthorn contain abundant supplies of compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids can improve the heart’s pumping ability and the flow of blood through the circulatory system. Hawthorn has been shown to be very useful in treating CHF in the early stages.
However, hawthorn is a potent herb, so check with your doctor before you begin taking it. It may interfere with some high blood pressure medications and could be dangerous to those with low blood pressure.
Use willow bark to aid in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The herb willow bark contains a compound, salicin, that’s the chemical forerunner of aspirin. Like aspirin, willow bark can help prevent blood clotting that leads to heart attack and stroke. There is indication the herb may also benefit people with CHF.
If you have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, find support. People with CHF who get emotional support from others are much more likely to manage their symptoms effectively.To find a CHF support group in your area, ask your doctor or contact your local office of the American Heart Association.
Lose those unwanted pounds. Being overweight raises your blood pressure and makes your heart work harder to move blood through all the extra tissue. Losing weight lowers your blood pressure and gives your tired heart a break.
Research indicates that the combination of weight control and sodium restriction can make an even bigger difference in your blood pressure and congestive heart failure symptoms.
CHF is serious, so before beginning any new routines, check with your doctor.