Ways To Manage And Treat Heart Valve Disease

Eating A Heart-Healthy Diet

Eating a heart-healthy diet is recommended for heart valve patients to avoid additional types of heart problems that can weaken the heart. Doctors hypothesize a healthy diet may help prevent the development of a type of heart valve disease known as aortic stenosis. Healthy eating can lower both blood pressure and cholesterol, and this reduces strain on the heart and the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Patients who are overweight can often lose weight by following a nutrition program, and this weight loss helps the heart work better with less effort. A heart-healthy diet consists of mostly plants. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts are all healthy options for patients with valve diseases.

Doctors may recommend heart patients consider trying the DASH or Mediterranean diets, and a consultation with a nutritionist may help patients learn dietary methods for managing particular symptoms caused by their disease or the medications they take for it. In particular, heart valve disease patients need to limit salt in their diets and pay attention to how much vitamin K they consume. Doctors can provide individualized advice on recommended limits for these nutrients.

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Exercise And Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help strengthen the heart and improve quality of life for heart valve disease patients. Before beginning any exercise regimen or starting any new kind of exercise, patients should have a physical exam from their doctor to determine if they are healthy enough for exercise. Doctors can recommend specific exercises that will be suitable for the patient, and they may also recommend avoiding particular activities. For example, strength training is not recommended for patients with aortic stenosis. In general, light exercises such as gentle yoga, tai chi, bike riding, and walking are healthy fitness choices for these patients.

Patients should aim to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. Patients may need to monitor their heart rates during exercise, and they should stop immediately if they experience chest pain. Doctors routinely use the body mass index method to determine a healthy weight range for patients. This calculation is based on a person's weight and height. A healthy body mass index is between 18.5 and 24.9. Measurements from twenty-five to twenty-nine are considered overweight, and those thirty and above are considered obese. To lose weight, patients should consult their doctors about specific diets that may be helpful. Nutrition consultations can help patients with meal planning, and support groups allow patients to meet others who are also trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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