After 12 weeks, only the drug group showed improved heart pumping. But only the rehabilitation group showed greater exercise ability, less depression, and signficant weight loss. Lose weight . Excess baggage raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder to move blood through all the extra tissue. Losing weight lowers blood pressure and gives a fatigued heart a break.
Regular exercise is key to weight control.
Exercise burn calories and also raises your basal metabolic rate, how quickly you burn calories while resting. However, if you have CHF, Dr. Pina recommends a physician-supervised weight control program, especially if you're taking diuretic medication below. Sip, don't guzzle . But restricting fluid intake can be tricky, becasue overdoing it can cause dehydration, itself a significant health problem, especially for older adults. When you feel thirsty, Dr. Pina advises, don't reach for a big tall glass of water, juice, or soda.