Heart Failure: Difference between revisions

Alcohol intake should be minimized, as it may increase blood pressure and/or have a negative inotropic effect. (Class IIa recommendation, level of evidence C) Smoking cessation should be encouraged. It is recommended that patients with HF receive support and advice on this topic. (Class I recommendation, level of evidence C). A reduction in alcohol and tobacco intake might also improve co-morbidities including sleep disorders.

Exercise training is recommended to all chronic stable HF patients. Twenty years ago, exercise was strongly discouraged in patients with HF as the general conception was that it was harmful. Nowadays, numerous studies have shown the opposite. Rehabilitation programmes have shown to increase exercise capacity and health related quality of life and decrease hospitalization rates and symptoms. (Class I recommendation, level of evidence A)

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Other non-pharmacological treatment recommendations include immunization of HF patients (pneumococcal- and influenza vaccination should be considered), the consulting of a physician around pregnancy, the screening for depression and sleep disorders which require additional medical attention.