Planning an Exercise Program
If you are going to start an exercise program or increase your activity , talk to your doctor or nurse .
Guidelines for Activity
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Never hold your breath during any activity .
Exercise at the level recommended by your doctor or nurse . Ask if you should limit any special activities .
� Avoid exercising on a full stomach . �
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Avoid being active outside when the temperature is colder than 40 ° F or hotter than 80 ° F .
Always let someone know when you are exercising , or exercise with a friend .
Check How You Feel
Stop and rest if you have any of these symptoms while being active :
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Chest pain or tightness Pain in the arm , shoulder , neck , or jaw Shortness of breath Unusual fatigue Dizziness Nausea or throwing up Severe sweating Severe headache Fast or irregular heart rate
Work
It may be necessary for people who are employed to take time off when they are diagnosed with heart failure . Discuss going back to work with your doctor or nurse .
Sexual Activity
People with heart failure can safely have sex . Sex is not harmful to your heart . Like other activities , however , sex should be avoided if you are having more symptoms than normal , such as increased shortness of breath , swelling , fatigue , or chest pains .
Coping with Your Emotions
Stress , anxiety , and depression can increase the stress on your heart and worsen heart failure . If you feel like you are having trouble coping , talk with your healthcare provider . It may be helpful to talk with a counselor for support and to learn coping strategies .
Expectations
People with heart failure may feel stress because they feel they are still expected to fulfill family and work duties . Some people feel pressure to do the same activities they did before becoming sick .
Accepting heart failure means that you accept having a chronic condition that will require lifelong changes . You understand that heart failure is part of your life but you can still have an enjoyable life . Adjusting to having heart failure means that you have made the needed changes to stay as healthy as possible .
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