Healthy eating and regular physical activity can help reduce heart failure symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.

Reduce Dietary Salt 

Limit the amount of sodium (salt) in your diet. Too much salt can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid.

Talk with your healthcare provider about how much salt is right for you. Your goal may depend on how severe your heart failure is.

Watch Your Weight

People with heart failure are often asked to weigh themselves every day.

Weigh yourself at home:

• In the morning
• After using the bathroom
• Before eating
• Wearing the same amount of clothing (or no clothing) each time

This is called your “dry weight.” Keep a daily weight record. A sudden weight gain can be an early sign that heart failure is getting worse.

Call your healthcare provider if you gain or lose more than 2 to 3 pounds in one day. Sudden weight changes are often a sign of fluid buildup. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your medications.

Exercise

Heart failure does not mean you must stop exercising. Many people with heart failure feel better when they stay active.

A healthcare provider can help you create an exercise plan with the right:

• Length of time (duration)
• Level of effort (intensity)

Your plan may include stretching, strengthening, walking, and balance exercises. The type of exercise depends on your fitness level, how severe your heart failure is, and any other health problems you have.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised exercise program led by trained professionals. It is helpful for many older adults with heart failure and may be covered by insurance.

Avoid Certain Non-prescription Drugs and Herbal Remedies

Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal products can cause fluid buildup and make heart failure worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following:

• Sodium-based antacids (such as sodium bicarbonate)
• High doses of aspirin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Pills are more likely to worsen heart failure than creams applied to the skin.
• Decongestants
• Ginseng (can raise blood pressure)
• Ginkgo biloba (can increase bleeding risk)

Last Updated April 2026