Hi guys not sure if this sounds absolutely daft and I hope it’s appropriate to post here, I have been diagnosed with left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 40-50% as of January after having an echo and I’m currently on Ivabradine and ramipril. I’ve always been fit, strong and healthy, I’m 34 doctors believe it could of been due to having covid back in November but I may never no the underlying cause of it.
I eat well, I’d say I’m a healthy man for my age and I’m always active, my weight is just under 11 stone. I’ve cut out alcohol and sweets and snacks and I try to eat very healthy foods everyday. My question is, is it ok to have the odd snack, the odd takeaway and the odd bar of chocolate? For example if I wanted a curry takeaway for my partners birthday this weekend would that be ok as a treat or is it best to avoid all these things all together?
Might sound ridiculous but I’m just worried that things like takeaways will cause damage to my heart if I eat them and make things worse, it won’t be a regular thing but better to be safe than sorry, just wondered if other people with heart failure still manage to enjoy things like takeaways, snacks and alcohol and are still healthy and enjoying life, thanks.
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Liam-James
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I'm not a Dr but I suspect any advice offered from one will depend if there is any underlying vascular disease like furring or narrowing of the arteries. That said, I seriously doubt the odd treat would make any difference. If in doubt speak to your Dr, heart failure nurse or someone at the BHF.
Like you I’m fit and eat healthily ’most’ of the time, I asked my cardiologist the same thing, he said to me “life is for living”, told me if I fancied a Pizza or a Maccies etc ‘occasionally’ then not to worry, just enjoy them. I have the occasional couple of glasses of vino. Once a week(ish) I might have a bar of choc, used to have a couple every day!!!
Cardiologist did say that he would not be saying the same if I was over weight, unfit etc etc
Thanks for the reply I’m really fancying this curry but there’s the little voice saying don’t do it it’s no good for you lol. What’s your age and diagnosis if you don’t mind me asking good to hear you’re still enjoying the odd treats.
Hey, I think one thing I've had to unlearn when it comes to heart failure and food is that "unhealthy" food is still fuel at the end of the day. As long as you're not eating anything that aggravates your heart, then go for it. For example, I stay away from certain alcohol like cider as it gives me major heart palpitations, - but RUM, that's my drink of choice. <3
But 34 is awfully young for serious heart problems. Most of us on this forum are trying to figure out what life style will give us twenty more years of active life. You on the other hand are looking for a life style that'll give you fifty more years. That's a much bigger ask, and consequently the life style you'd have to adopt would be that much more rigorous.
Another thing worth remembering about life styles and heart conditions. It's tempting to think that the choice is between having X years of a frugal, monastic existence and slightly less than X years of a more self indulgent life style after which you drop dead down.
But the evidence shows that's a false choice. Everyone on this forum is at a significantly increased risk of strokes and diabetes, so giving in to the temptations of modern life doesn't so much imply sacrificing a year or two, but more spending ten plus years confined to a wheelchair, going blind, or losing the ability to speak.
I understand where you’re coming from and what you’re saying but the way you’ve made it sound is it’s all doom and gloom with no chance to enjoy any treats from time to time or to enjoy life as such, would one Indian takeaway really do that much harm? As far as I’m aware my heart issue may have been caused by getting Covid back in late October/November last year that’s when my issues started. I’ve been told it’s unlikely I have coronary artery disease I’ve always been fit, healthy and strong. I’m awaiting more test such as a cardiac stress test, 5 day holter monitor. I’ve had so many blood tests for everything under the sun. I used to weight train and go to the gym, I’m still active now I walk everyday for exercise and I’m always on the move, I’m a healthy body weight I’m not overweight or fat, I watch what I eat and I eat plenty of fruit and good stuff surely a treat for a special occasion now and again would be ok?
The problem with "treats" is that they're a slippery slope. What's the definition of "occasional"; once a month, once a week, just a little bit after dinner each day? And what's a treat, is it a biscuit, or is it a three course takeaway washed down with half a dozen beers?
To put some objectivity into the discussion, the original studies of the Mediterranean diet observed that the relatively impoverished Italians who were the main participants, were actually eating sweet cakes and pastries. But only on a handful of religious festivals during each year. Apart from on those very few occasions the closest they got to a "treat" might be some fruit after a meal.
But hey, these are the pep talks I give myself to keep myself honest. It's your life so you must make your own decisions.
1 curry is NOT going to make any difference, just bloody enjoy it with a couple of drinks, then back to healthy diet/exercise. In a few weeks go for a Pizza and a drink, then back to healthy diet.......
I'm new to this. I was diagnosed last April also possibly due to covid. Ive just turned 59 and admit I'm slightly overweight. After every test possible I show no problem overall with my vascular system, just my heart following a clot in my left ventricle.I also was concerned about alcohol and takeaways, I have never smoked. Advise has been from cardiology team and GP enjoy in moderation with no guilt. Everyone has slightly different coping strategies, but for myself enjoying a glass of wine or monthly takeout with family / friends greatly enhances my life and mood. Therfore preventing depression and anxiety issues known to be a side effect of HF.
Best of wishes to you, it is still early days. If possible phone heart support team for reassurance.
Liam get it down you mate😋😋😋🍻When I had my heart attack 2001. I couldn't cope being so young like yourself. I had depression, anxiety and had to see a psychiatristfor a year. He said the best thing for me was to go over to the pub across the road and have a couple of pints which is the best remedy for all my worries and concerns. Relaxation is the key mate. I'm 20 years down the line and still here. I had angiogram Back in November and my stent from 2001 was still 100 per cent open. I've done all the gym and stuff ETC. I have a glass of wine every night🍷I'm not really into takeaways but have 1 now and again but I eat all sorts. Big breakfast if I fancy. Roast dinners. Don't worry yourself to death like below. Good luck 👍👍
I think a one-off treat is the way to look at it - not a regular diet. One of the main concerns with heart failure is the effect of salt on your symptoms. Takeaway food is often very high in salt. Maybe you could make an extra special effort to avoid salt the days before & after to compensate?!
I appreciate all the comments here I think I will give the takeaway a miss I think I’m finding it hard knowing that everything is going to change for me in my life from now on. What would be a recommended diet for someone with heart failure where would I start to build up a good weekly/monthly/ yearly diet. Obviously it’s going to take planning and dedication to change everything I’ve been used too.
I had a heart attack at 39, it’s a massive shock and you default to a healthy life almost subconsciously..
I would just say no 2 heart problems are the same and you should undoubtedly make some changes to your lifestyle to prolong your health and life..
Also no matter how well behaved you are, unfortunately you’re not going to live forever! Surely moderation is key..
Personally if I never had my cheat nights with food and alcohol I would be miserable and not enjoying life, which even after the shock of a heart attack I still very much do!!
Have you thought about making the curry yourself? Then you get the taste that you want and know that the ingredients are all good quality and fresh. There are so many recipes on line. Slimming World has produced a recipe book for spicy food.
Hi bud, first of all I’m sorry to hear you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure and are finding it difficult to fathom out the best way forward for your health, I don’t have heart failure but have a diagnosis now of coronary heart disease following a heart attack back in November. I was 48 at the time and it took me completely by surprise, although on reflection I do have to admit that there were lifestyle choices that could do with improvement. I drank too regularly and with that I ate poor choices too often, particularly take away foods, but I did so because these are things that give me some enjoyment so I was pretty adamant that although I was needing to make changes, I wasn’t going to deny myself entirely.
Since November I have adopted a much healthier lifestyle, eat bucketloads more fruit and pulses etc, and try my best to get a minimum 6k quick walk in each day, often doing much more with my longest walk being 26k.
I have vastly reduced my alcohol consumption, but still do have a few drinks at the weekends and the occasional take away. I’ve had three since November, I was often having up to three per week before my event.
The diet style that is the golden go to for heart health by all accounts is the Mediterranean diet, it’s more a way of food life than a diet and is pretty damn tasty to be honest, and I try and follow it now, but not every meal of everyday. The way I see it is, if I’m making changes and doing the good things as a rule then it’s got to be better than not doing them at all.
I’m rambling a bit, lol, but suppose what I’m trying to say is that moderation is the key, all the health professionals I’ve dealt with have all agreed that it’s crucial not to deny myself things entirely. Other than smoking, they’re all pretty consistent that heart patients should do everything in their power to stop that one. thankfully I already had, other than that they all say to enjoy life and enjoy the “bad” bits in moderation.
I hope you still enjoy the celebrations this weekend, and I kinda hope too that you reconsider and allow yourself to enjoy a curry with your partner. Another option is the fakeaway, if you make your own curry you dictate how much oil and salt etc that goes in. There’s loads of things about just now about the style of cooking that is called British Indian restaurant with loads of videos etc on YouTube and groups on Facebook, I’ve made a few of the curries and have to say they are pretty close to what you get from the takeaway, but are home made and healthier. Great for a treat but with less of the guilt.
Take care mate, do what’s right for you, and enjoy life!
I've got an EF of 20% at the last count, and I have just made a chocolate cake, and enjoy the odd glass of wine. I try and eat a healthy diet most of the time, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and I try to get out for a walk most days. I think as long as they are occasional treats it's ok. But talk to your GP or better, your cardio team to check.
I would say go ahead and enjoy those snacks Liam as at the level you are suggesting, they are almost certainly not going to do any harm at all. Of course run by your doctor next time you visit.
Don't forget the starter before curry 😋😋cause you can. I had my heart attack in 2001. Stent fitted a couple of turns over the years but fit. Have a glass of Chilean merlot with it. My consultant said it contains more anti oxidents in it. He said have a couple of small glasses of it each day So I have 4 to double the benefits 🤣🤣🤣anny questions don't hesitate to ask.
Hey Liam. I say one off curry won't hurt no one and once every two to three weeks a takeaway won't kill no one, as your not over weight and fit, I don't see the issue being made big deal and scaring you. I'm 50 had HA two stents fitted in and still one more blocked artery, but that still don't stop me from munching on bit of treat. Go for it m8
Go for the curry take away treat and enjoy it, I only have the odd glass of wine and a couple of IPA beers at the weekend now after HA and stent last October, maybe one take away a month (my wife is still dead against fish and chips though 😔) Enjoy that curry! 🙂
Well I followed all the rules for years . Was fit and cholesterol etc was always fine but it didn’t stop me having a bypass at 77. However I have never been able to handle stress and I think that was the major reason. I found over the years of eating healthy food my stomach rejects anything else. Would love to eat a whole bar of chocolate but would suffer next day
My dear dad used to say if you stop having a treat now and then you won't necessarily live longer, it will just feel like longer! Enjoy your curry and hope your partner has a lovely birthday 😀
Yes, enjoy the occasional treat it isn't going to make a huge difference. If you eat healthy and keep active normally a curry on a special occasion won't do you any harm. I was diagnosed with heart failure 2.5 years ago, aged 55. Older than you but previously fit, healthy and active. No clear cause for my heart failure either. I have the occasional treat and enjoy a regular glass of red wine. My heart failure has improved significantly with medication, regular exercise, a good diet and the occasional treat. I too asked my Cardiologist and he said a glass of red wine and occasional pizza etc isn't going to make a big difference if your general life style is good.
My father had a massive heart attack when he was 65. He had a quadruple bypass. He's now 87. He treats himself to something nice at least once a week and has 2-3 glasses of wine per week. It's one curry. Have it, enjoy it and then look forward to your next treat while taking care of yourself all the while. Moderation is the only answer to a sustainable and bearable (above miserable) existence (IMO). We're all a long time dead, let's at least enjoy the living part.
Hi you sound really upbeat and you are doing everything to help your heart,you are so young, I was 58 when I was diagnosed with heart failure ef 23%,I had cardiomyopathy and my arteries were fine, I would say like a lot of people moderation is the key, my cardiologist never told me to give up anything just to keep alcohol to the national guidelines, I have never been a person for take aways, I don't like curry at all, but I have to admit my diet could be a lot better, I eat a lot of meat and occasionally fish, no veg, jI don't like it, unless specifically told to totally avoid something you should enjoy a treat and if in any doubt a call to your heart failure nurse would ease your mind, I wish you well for the future and enjoy your partners birthday take care char
Hi there. I'm 72 I haven't had or got heart disease but in 2016 I had major open heart surgery and since school I've had trouble with my weight but I joined the army at 15 and just before that I was interested in boxing and went from 15 stone to 11 in 6 months through training any what my point is I have a healthy diet all week then at weekends I have a small cake with my lunch and the same Sunday. That gives me something to look forward to. We eat out twice a year my birthday and my wife's and every night I have 4 Little squares of whole but. So yes I don't think a little treet hurt's, healthy mind healthy body. Good luck 👍
As others have said we are all different so what suits one not suitable for another. I found the British Heart Foundation brilliant and helped me immensely. There is lots of information on their website but if you phone the helpline they can give you individual advice. Hope you enjoy the weekend but think the stress of worrying about it may be more harmful than the curry.
Hi Liam I had my HA a year ago and my injection fraction is the same as yours, I’m 70 years old next month and a weight of 10.5 stone and always exercised virtually daily so the HA was a big shock turns out that hereditary background played a part so Statins are part of the plan. I do have the occasional treat, takeaway and my full 14 units of red wine a week so my choice has been to enjoy the years I have left but be as sensible as realistic. Have a chat with your Doctor of course and ask what checks you can annually have to monitor the situation? Good luck 👍
I can only give youy my experiences, they won't necessarily be the same as yours. I'm male , aged 57 and had a heart attack in early December and had three stents fitted as a result. Had quite a few sessions with a cardio nurse and followed the NHS Lothian recovery programme. She said that an occasional treat is not a bad thing and try and keep alcohol below ten units per week. After a few weeks of careful dieting I'm also now approaching 1.5 stone lighter and found no real desire for a Chinese or a pizza (still fancy a curry mind you ). Looked for alternatives - Thai and Malay seem to be quite good and I have allowed myself the occasional drinks (works out about one day per month). Also making sure I'm doing relgular exercise - mainly walking - and I feel in better shape than I have done in many years.
No harm in the occasional takeaway especially to celebrate your partner's birthday. My first breach of the diet was on New Year's Eve to celebrate the end of 2020 - never been so glad to see a year finish!! Also polished off three bars of chocolate in two months (they were given as a present by someone who didn't know my circumstances and it would seem a shame to waste them). The magic word is 'occasional' but there's no reason not to be having some fun in your life. Enjoy your curry but know when to stop.
Go have a treat every now and then. You can always chose healthier options from the curry house such as tandoori chicken. Maybe something without a creamy sauce. But if you can’t do that, well as long as it’s not every week, go for it. Have fun and enjoy xx
Hello L-J.. I'm 59 had HA and 0ne stent fitted last May, now have 44%EF.. I previously was a racing cyclist and have always kept fit so HA was an enormous shock! I have a take away curry about every 4/5 weeks and when restaurants where open we'd go out occasionally but I'd stick to chicken or fish. As for alcohol it's strictly Fri /Sat night and have about 4 bottles of budlite or similar each nite but sometimes don't drink at weekends at all or have alcohol free stuff. GP told me "life is for living"... So enjoy occasional treats good for your morale. Good luck.
Dear Liam, I'm exactly like you I'm 42 got Covid and then heart failure.y EF is only 17%. Absolutely if would be fine for you to have the odd take away, chocolate, or alcohol, like in any healthy life it's all about moderation. Indian is actually a good take away to have, with tandoori meat, just ask about the curries not cooked with Ghee etc, if your like me I have no coronary artery disease. So what you'd be worrying about is the high salt content so a one or 2 a month. Defo enjoy your life mate. Hope u feeling better and everything improves for you
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). Looked for alternatives - Thai and Malay seem to be quite good and I have allowed myself the occasional drinks (works out about one day per month). Also making sure I'm doing relgular exercise - mainly walking - and I feel in better shape than I have done in many years.
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