Page 4 - elevatefall2018

ELEVATE YOUR
THE HEART—the most critical muscle you
have—pumps fresh blood throughout your
body to keep it nourished and energized.
When the heart is not strong enough to do
its job due to congestive heart failure, you
may experience frightening consequences.
Congestive heart failure occurs when
the heart muscle weakens because of
conditions, events or habits, including
diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure
and smoking. It may also develop if a
defect exists in the structure of the heart. diagnosed with congestive heart failure
4 navicenthealth.org | FALL 2018
OVERCOMING
CONGESTIVE
HEART
FAILURE
Living with congestive heart
failure can be challenging,
but you can be successful
as you work to manage the
condition and improve your
quality of life.
As a result, the function of the kidneys is die within five years of the diagnosis,
compromised, leading to congestion, or a but adapting simple and healthy habits
buildup of fluid, throughout the body in can significantly decrease the risk of
areas such as the eyes, legs, liver and lungs. hospitalization and death.”
“Congestive heart failure is a disabling Accessible and impactful lifestyle habits
condition that causes severe health can help reduce your risk of heart failure and
issues, shortness of breath when also help improve heart health when living
engaging in normal activities and, with congestive heart failure.These changes
in many cases, death,” says Erskine include:
James, MD, FACC, cardiologist with »» Avoiding tobacco. If you smoke or use
Navicent Health. “Almost half of people
other tobacco products, take steps to quit.
»» Making movement a priority. Engage in