Managing my heart failure after a 14 years spell. - #13344

Managing heart failure for such a long time really takes a toll on the body and mind. You’re already doing a great job by sticking with your prescription meds, but it sounds like your symptoms could be flaring up again - especially with this weakness and the hefty weight loss. It’s essential at this point to reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. They gotta evaluate your current state and maybe adjust your medication or overall treatment strategy.

In parallel to conventional treatment, incorporating some Ayurvedic practices can potentially complement your healthcare journey. With heart conditions, the focus would primarily be on calming the Vata dosha, strengthening agni (your digestive fire), and supporting your ojas (vitality).

Diet is crucial here. Look to soft, warm, easily digestible foods like kichari (a rice and lentil dish), which supports digestion without aggravating your system. Including cooked vegetables, well-cooked grains, and perhaps a bit of gentle spices like cumin and ginger can be nurturing. Eliminate processed foods and those high in sodium, given your current prescription list which includes diuretics.

Hydration’s trickier, but crucial. Sip warm water or herbal teas through the day, avoiding large quantities at once. Tulsi tea or Arjuna tea (famed for heart health) might be worth exploring, but always check first with your doc, considering your medication.

Breathing exercises such as Anulom Vilom could strengthen respiratory functions, albeit gently, and aid circulation. Mediation and yoga (again, gently) can help keep stress at bay — a real invisible weight to carry, that can exacerbate conditions.

But seriously, any changes or introduction of new remedies or lifestyle shifts, they’ve got to be discussed with your healthcare provider first. It’s so, so important they know what’s up with everything you’re doing.