Living

In my years as a moderator for this site I have read a lot of comments from patients who are frustrated because their partners are not embracing the changes required...

In 2014, when I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, I knew that my dating life was automatically in jeopardy. The main reason was that I was told by doctors not...

Friday morning: my coffee is brewing and the fresh air is pulling through my apartment, so I pop on my headphones and take to my lounge floor. My laundry is...

During heart failure (HF), the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. In early stages of HF, you might not notice any symptoms. But as HF progresses, the symptoms can get...

I wanted to share a recent episode because it's a good reminder for all of us - even those of us who are NOT new heart failure patients. As background...

Many people ask me which was a harder recovery: the transplant or LVAD surgery? So, let’s set the scene. Before I had LVAD surgery I suffered a stroke, so my...

As a heart failure patient, the idea of a medically restricted diet can be overwhelming. It is easy to think there is a simple answer to the question "what diet...

I'm a respiratory therapist in a small town hospital. And I’ve been writing here in this community since its inception in February of 2019. I thought it would be neat...

Having heart health issues run in my family for the longest time, I have taken it upon myself to teach my daughter about the ways that we can look after...

Finally back to the job market after being gone for 5 years. When I was diagnosed with advanced heart failure I was put on medical disability. It wasn’t just that...

When dealing with heart failure (HF), it can be difficult to be prepared for each symptom that may arise. Many symptoms of HF come unexpectedly. This can make having HF...

As a heart failure patient, I have found that the only way to eat a low sodium diet consistently is to cook your own food at home. Restaurant and pre-packaged...

The giveaway is now closed. Thanks for your interest! Finding the right balance between fluid restrictions and avoiding dehydration can be a tricky dance for folks managing heart failure. While...

"How can I date and cope with heart disease? Will he accept me? Will he judge me? Will he take advantage of me because I am sick? Will he really...

My family has a genetic heart condition called Brugada Syndrome which is often diagnosed from an abnormal EKG, and I have to be monitored yearly. Because of the family history...

When I got diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2014, I never knew that I would be in advanced heart failure 4 years later. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that...

“You have heart failure,” is the single worst phrase you ever want to hear. Getting a diagnosis of heart failure is one of the most shocking things you can hear...

I love spring. My favorite season, hands down. With the flowers bursting from the ground and trees coming to life, it is such a time of rebirth and renewal. I...

Regular exercise is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy heart, and we want to encourage you to get moving in any way possible! Exercise and heart failure can look different...

From personal experience, adjusting to a low sodium diet can be overwhelming at first. As a newly diagnosed patient, once you start looking into it you realize that salt is...