Cardiomyopathy is the medical name for a variety of heart diseases that may cause the heart muscle to become thickened, rigid, or enlarged.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to keep things in check and make sure that patients find help to manage their condition. The treatment options for cardiomyopathy range from using different medications and devices to surgery. However, that is not all.
Are you battling cardiomyopathy? You will find practical advice here to help you manage your lifestyle and keep your heart in the best possible condition. As you go through the suggestions discussed, consider meeting with your medical health provider to talk about any fears or questions you have regarding your lifestyle.
1. Eat healthy and balanced foods
Healthy eating doesn't simply mean consuming the right foods — you need to eat them in the right amounts, too. This helps you to stay as fit and as healthy as possible. Meals that are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and fats are great. They help your body strengthen its immune system and offer the nutrients that supply the energy you need to stay alive.
Your heart, as well as other vital organs, benefit when you eat balanced foods. More so, eating right helps to maintain your body weight and keep your heart in good shape. When you put on excess weight, you increase your risk of developing high cholesterol levels and hypertension. Furthermore, you’re likely to suffer stroke and diabetes.
You do not want to strain your heart and other vital organs, especially if you’re dealing with cardiomyopathy. This will only create unwanted pressure for them, so, eat healthy and balanced foods.
2. Steer clear of alcohol
The negative effects of alcohol on your heart can manifest in various ways. From increasing your heart rate and blood pressure to triggering abnormal rhythms and muscle damage, alcohol consumption only causes more harm for cardiomyopathy patients. Remember, your heart has a lot to deal with already, so why put more pressure on it by ingesting alcohol? It is advisable to cut down on your intake to a large degree.
3. Exercise daily
You can benefit from an active lifestyle if you have cardiomyopathy. Light exercise every day can promote health, improve symptom management and, over time, lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
Talk to your doctor to come up with a plan for daily exercise that is best for your condition. You could walk, cycle, or do some jogging and have your health provider around to keep an eye on you.
Customized programs that are tailored to your needs are better. They will help to enhance the performance of your heart. Do not downplay the importance of meeting with your doctor before adopting any exercise plan.
4. Keep your blood pressure in check
Cardiomyopathy patients need to keep a close watch on their blood pressure. Heart failure symptoms can become worse if there is a spike. To keep this from happening, blood pressure should be checked regularly at a pharmacy. Alternatively, a home monitor can come in handy as well.
If readings are abnormal, patients should not hesitate to notify their doctors and follow any suggestions, instructions, or prescriptions given.
5. Monitor your weight
If you have cardiomyopathy, you should know that being overweight is bad for you.
Keep in touch with your health provider and tell them about sudden changes in your body weight. They could suggest that you enroll in a weight management program where you’ll work with professionals. With their help, you should be able to keep your weight down.
You also need to understand your daily needs in terms of calories. Counting your intake can help to keep your weight stable enough. A good idea is to lower your calorie consumption while doing as much physical activity as you can. This is good for your heart.
6. Do you smoke? Stop immediately
Dropping the tobacco lifestyle is a must if you are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. The harm that smoking does to your lungs and heart only causes extra strains on your arteries.
If you need help to get over the habit, seek professional advice from your doctor. You will get assistance and recommendations that can help you overcome smoking once and for all.
Be willing to make positive lifestyle changes
If you are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, it is not the end of the world. You will improve your chances of living a healthy life when you do everything necessary to reduce the stress on your heart. Improve your wellbeing through positive practices.
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