Articles

The management of a chronic condition can be complex and often confusing. From constant self-observation to consistent practice of management techniques, it’s not easy. Sometimes, we need some extra help...

Blood pressure readings are a regular occurrence for heart failure patients, whether it's at the doctor's office, cardiac rehab, or home. But how many of us understand what these numbers...

There has long been talk of heart disease being hereditary. Since the year 1900, researchers have learned a lot about genetics and now they are attempting to find what exact...

We all know of the great benefits that come with quitting smoking. From reducing premature death to saving a considerable amount of money, there are clear advantages to quitting smoking...

Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1! For her job, my mom kept many records to analyze the public health status...

Overcoming a chronic illness or "sickness" can consist of a number of variables. While many are seen or expected, others are hidden in plain sight as environmental determinants. One such determinant is...

As a CHF patient and someone who previously loved outdoor activity, it has been an adjustment to spend more time inside, especially lately during hot and humid summer days. I...

About 2-4 percent of adults have sleep apnea and about 1 in 3 people with heart failure also have sleep apnea. So, is there a connection between these two diseases?...

Managing your fluid restrictions is tough! I have come across a few tricks and tips. However, please realize that this is hard and there is no way to totally take...

August 20, 2015: the day that changed my life forever. I remember waking up feeling hopeful but prepared for the unknown because at the time in my life the unknown...

Heart failure patients need to have a conversation about the pelvic floor! As a heart failure patient, a lot of medicine that we take (especially the diuretics) are hard on...

I have felt discouraged in talking about my heart condition and sometimes even writing about my journey. Now and then, I have felt unmotivated, but recently, the lack of motivation...

Receiving a heart failure diagnosis is almost always a life-changing experience. Some people get the news after a major cardiac event, while others find out after years of slowly progressing...

I have been writing about things I experience in the hospital setting. Of course, we take care of many patients experiencing myocardial ischemia and infarction (a.k.a. heart attacks). I am...

Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1! Somewhat blindsided, I didn't expect to hear I had three leaking heart valves, that...

I’m a dreamer! Not the kind that dreams big and has set goals. I mean when I lay down for bed, dreams always come to me. Sometimes I couldn’t wait...

Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1! In the first part of the article, we outlined why a good relationship with...

Doctors love ordering blood tests. This is because they offer great information about how you are doing medically. They allow your doctor to track how you are doing overtime and...

I see many posts about people fearing a heart catheterization, so as someone who has had several, I want to help put the collective mind at ease. Keep in mind...

Living with heart failure means that we constantly have to monitor many aspects of our lives – how much salt are we eating, how much fluid are we drinking, how...