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VITALITY
Summer 2016
COMMUNITY
Heart failure: Make a plan
5 facts you need to know to live well
If you have just been diagnosed
with heart failure, you can take
comfort in the fact that you’re not
alone. More than 5 million Americans
are living with the disease—with the
emphasis on the word living.
Even though heart failure is serious
and there is no cure, it is treatable.
And the more you learn about it, the
more you can do to have an active
and healthy life.
Here are five facts about heart
failure and living with the condition
that you should know:
HEART FAILURE DOESN’T
MEANYOUR HEART IS
ABOUT TO STOP.
The term simply means your heart
isn’t pumping like it should. If the
right side of your heart is affected, it
can be hard for blood to get to your
lungs to pick up oxygen. Fluid may
then build up in your body, and you
may feel fatigued or short of breath.
If the problem is with your heart’s
left side, it’s difficult for oxygenated
blood to reach the rest of your body.
Chances are, both sides of your
heart are affected.
CMH offers Healthy Heart Lectures withAdamPruett, RD, Director
of Health andWellness and clinical dietitian for Citizens Memorial
Hospital.The class is held the lastWednesday of every month
from 9 to 10 a.m. or 2 to 3 p.m. Call
417-328-6462
to register.
YOU MAY BE THE MOST
IMPORTANT MEMBER
OF YOUR HEALTH CARE
TEAM.
Taking medications and making
lifestyle changes—such as cutting
back on salt, exercising with your
doctor’s guidance, avoiding alcohol
and tobacco, and maintaining a
healthy weight—are cornerstones
of treatment. In addition, you need
to see your doctor regularly, take
medicines as directed and follow
your doctor’s advice.
Also key is watching for signs
and symptoms that may indicate
your disease is getting worse—and
bringing them to your doctor’s
attention right away. They
include having:
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Swelling in your legs,
feet or abdomen.
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An ongoing cough
or congestion.
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Increased fatigue.
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Shortness of breath.
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Confusion, dizziness or
light-headedness.
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Loss of appetite or nausea.
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HEART HEALTH