Sleep
Sleep issues and heart failure may be related. For example, if you have heart failure, you’re more likely to experience insomnia. Similarly, sleep issues such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia can exacerbate heart failure symptoms.
Eliminating Alcohol
Eliminating Alcohol Alcohol is toxic to the heart. It is recommended that all patients with heart failure completely abstain from alcohol. Consumption of alcohol can lead to increased fluid accumulation, which puts extra strain on your heart (see section on Fluid...
Diet
Canada’s Food Guide Canada’s Food Guide is an eating plan created by Health Canada to help people in Canada make healthy food choices. It is available in different languages. Top tips include: 1. Focus on your plate. Health Canada recommends a plate loaded...
Finding Peace of Mind During a Tough Time
Isabel, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, an electrical engineer, was leading a normal life and had a promising future in her career. Unexpectedly, at 33 years old, she was diagnosed with heart failure. This disease has put a halt in almost all aspects of Isabel’s normal life, including her career.
Juggling My Roles as a Caregiver and Working Professional
Eager to pursue a meaningful career in healthcare, I graduated from Queen’s University as one of the few female engineers at the time. I went on to obtain a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in biomedical engineering. Throughout the course of my education and career, I developed a passion for advancing patient care – the work I do is important to me.
Isabel’s Tips for Medication and Symptoms Self-Management
Isabel’s Tips for Medication and Symptoms Self-Management Isabel lived with heart failure for 11 years before having a heart transplant in 2021. Self-care and self-management continue to be essential to her health. Isabel offers the following tips for people...
Fluid Restriction
Fluid Restriction Fluid Accumulation Normally, our bodies eliminate extra fluid by excreting it as urine. People with heart failure can lose the ability to expel extra fluid. The heart must then work harder to pump the excess fluid around the body and may not be able...
Potassium
Potassium Intake Potassium is a mineral that has many important roles within your body, including regulating your heartbeat and blood pressure. Maintaining a normal potassium balance is important, as high, or low potassium levels in your blood can affect your...
Sodium
Sodium Restriction Sodium causes extra fluid to build up in your body, making your heart work harder. This extra fluid can also accumulate in your legs and ankles, as well as in your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. What is sodium? Sodium is a mineral found in...
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs can have an impact on your heart. Anthracyclines are one class of chemotherapy medications that can damage the cell structures and DNA inside the heart muscle, leading to decreased heart function.
