Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a health condition where the heart becomes too weak to pump effectively. According to the Heart Failure Society of America, one in eight deaths are caused by CHF and it is the No. 1 cause of hospitalization among the senior population.
You are more likely to develop CHF if you eat a poor diet, smoke, are not very active, have diabetes and high cholesterol, and struggle with stress. The disease worsens as the years go by, which is why CHF is called a ‘progressive’ disease.
However, with the right guidance from a knowledgeable healthcare provider, you can manage the disease and improve your quality of life.
Slow Down CHF Progression
You are what you eat, and your heart is the one of the first organs in your body to reflect that.
Junk, ultra-processed, and fast foods are high in unhealthy saturated fats and sodium. They cause a fatty buildup in your arteries, which forces your heart to work harder. When a weakened heart struggles, it cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to the other organs in your body. This means they can’t do their job properly either.
The first step to slow down CHF is to incorporate heart-healthy foods in your diet
The simplest way to a heart-healthy diet is to choose fresh over ultra-processed foods. Cook at home instead of getting takeout. Cut down on alcoholic and sugary drinks and limit your salt intake — the American Heart Association advises a maximum limit of 2,300mg of sodium from all the food you eat in one day. This is equal to 1 teaspoon of salt.
What to Eat if You Have CHF
Fruit and Vegetables
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Lean Protein
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Whole Grains
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Good Oils
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Dairy
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Easy 3 Course Heart-Friendly Menu Perfect for Valentine’s Day
February is American Heart Month. With Valentine’s Day right in the middle, we’ve used our good food suggestions and put together heart-healthy Valentine’s Day recipes that are easy to make and will show your heart real love.
Appetizer: Beet Salad with Feta Cheese (Serves 2)
- 2 cups canned, sliced beets
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2-4 cups mixed salad leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tbs toasted, shelled sunflower seeds or walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the dressing, thoroughly shake the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a jar, with salt and pepper to taste. Toss beets, salad leaves, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds or walnuts.
Entrée: Beef Stir-fry with Noodles (Serves 2)
- 6 oz flank steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbs each crushed garlic and ginger
- 1/2 cup each sliced carrots, onions, sweet peppers, and green beans
- 4 ounces dry wholewheat noodles
- 2-4 tablespoons canola oil
For Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbs honey
- 1 tbs chili sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbs cornstarch stirred into ½ cup water
- Toasted sesame seeds to garnish
Cook noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil and cook beef on high heat for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, warm the remaining oil and fry garlic for a few seconds. Add all vegetables and ginger and toss for 2-3 minutes on high heat. Return beef to pan. Stir in the soy sauce, chili sauce, honey, and salt and pepper. Pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring all the while. Cook until thickened. Mix in cooked noodles. Serve sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.
Dessert: Chocolate Berry Bites (Serves 2)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chunked
- 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2 tbs honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz good quality dark chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Mix together yogurt, honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir in strawberry chunks. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon dollops of the mixture, about two tablespoons each, on the sheet and freeze until firm.
Melt together chocolate and coconut oil. Dip in the frozen yogurt-berry clusters to coat completely. Refrigerate until the chocolate coating is crisp.
Commit to a Heart-Friendly Lifestyle
Beginning your healthcare journey will be easy with our Valentine’s Day menu and since American Heart Month lasts all through February, it’s a great opportunity to continue exploring more heart-friendly foods and recipes. Experiment, discover new tastes, and make them a permanent part of your daily diet.
CHF is a Serious Concern
Congestive heart failure can have a debilitating impact on how your body functions. When blood is unable to travel quickly through your circulatory system, fluid may leak from your blood vessels and settle into your lungs, abdomen, lower legs, and ankles.
This causes troubles in breathing, moving, and even sleeping. You are also at high risk for kidney or liver damage.
For more information on congestive heart failure and preventative measures you can take to improve your heart health, talk to your healthcare provider today.