Heart failure Diet plan - please advise

[Khan29uk]

Diet and exercise plan for heart failure

I have been diagnosed with heart failure since September 2020, only now i got my angiogram (no blockages) and mri scan awaiting results- eco cardiogram revealed 25%

My own personal diet

Fresh Fruits - especially pomegranates and blueberries

Fresh veggie

Fresh salmon

I will also put into tuna and smoked mackerel into diet (now its mentioned and recommended here)

Nuts - especially walnuts and seeds

Pumpkin seeds

Blackseed oil - very beneficial (google it)

Real honey

Kefir - its very sour

Very low fat yogurts

Whole meal bread

Whole meal chappatis

Also please advise if i should be eating eggs - if so what is the recommended intake in a week

Should we be avoiding red meat including lean meat (lamb) and chicken all together- please advise

Should i be eating butter like benocol (lowers cholesterol) - please advise

Exercise

Walking - how much is recommended on a daily basis

Swimming - i have not started this due to covid - please advise

I would be grateful for input and i would be very happy if members can share how they coping with heart failure, does this condition improve with change in life style, medicines and exercise - because it has changed me, a complete surprise and shock. Im not w smoker, i don’t drink alcohol and I didn’t have a bad diet before this event so i don’t know what has happened. The reason why I’m here on the BHF site is that i want to share and know other good peoples experience with this condition because it will tell me im not alone with this. I dearly respect all members so i would be extremely happy for all Input.

Thank you so much in advance for your time reading my little story

Sami

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had the same, diet was never really mentioned, but I just ate a varied one, meat, fish dairy Inc eggs cheese, full fat milk, porridge cereal etc, no chips but potatoes mushrooms are great, I hate veg so I just took vit pills, and I couldn't exercise much anyway, consultant was quite happy about it, char

[Khan29uk]

Hello thanksNhsThank you for your reply.

Even though my diet was good before my heart failure, I am still watching what i eat...

Also when did you have heart failure, how long you been living with it.

Thank you

Sami

[080311]

Hello khan29uk

Lots of us here on the forum follow the Mediterranean diet recommended by BHF, it’s very easy to follow and if you go on the web site you will find lots of information. Having heart problems which there are many different sorts we work our way through changing our life style from diet to exercise. I have had open heart surgery Aortic valve replaced and bypass, this was 4 years ago and after surgery I decided that I would do everything I could to help keep my mended heart healthy. So many people had worked really hard to give me a second chance so I had to do my part.

Pauline

[Khan29uk in reply to 080311]

Hello PaulineThank you so much for your reply.

Yes i keep hearing the Mediterranean diet is highly recommended.

Heart failure has come as a shock to me BUT i am very thankful that i can share my experience with people who have same issues as me...it gives me confidence and comfort that i am not alone and i can relate to other good people in my situation.

I have total faith in this.

Thank you again Pauline

[080311 in reply to Khan29uk]

Sometimes life just pulls the rug from under our feet but we can get through these issues.

[Babsben]

Hi sami,

I'm the same as you found heart problem Sept 2020 no blockages but have lvsd 30% EF. I was referred to cardiac rehab they told me around half hour day walking. I've changed my diet to the mediterranean way of eating. I've given up social Drinking as this was a trigger for palpitations I found this out new year eve after a glass of red wine 😔 I don't miss it really.

I limit myself to 2 eggs a week

I'll eat chicken one night then fish the next and a veggie meal the next, and just keep alternating it.

I don't have sugar, I use honey when needed for sweetness, raisins apricots in foods. Don't add salts, I use fresh herbs. I don't eat processed foods.

It works for me I've lost a stone over 3 months eating this way. X

[Khan29uk in reply to Babsben]

Hello babsben

Thank you so much for your reply.

My food intake is also fresh, veggie everyday, chicken maybe next day and fresh salmon every 3 days apart. Fruits are a must - pomegranate and blueberries everyday.

Walnuts and other nuts and seeds etc

Exercise im slowing developing i do between 2 to 3 miles a day at a time...i do this at home (lol - pandemic- lockdown etc).

I have no salt, never did before and especially now. Lemon is alternative. I don't drink alcohol, i dont smoke.

I don't have processed foods, not a fan....and avoid takeaways.

And Yes!, Mediterranean diet is a good key to our healthy diet.

Thank you

Sami