Heart failure: Everyday activities

Use good position and posture

Using good body mechanics to lift and carry reduces the strain on your heart and your back.

Don't stand when you can sit.
Avoid working with your arms above your shoulders for long periods of time.
Sit on a high stool to iron or cook.
Plan your steps. Keep a basket at the bottom of the stairs for items that must go upstairs. Make one trip instead of four.
Use good posture. This reduces stress on your neck, back and shoulder muscles. It also lets you breathe easier.
Change your positions. Break up your work with a stretch or a walk.
Avoid staying in the same position for a long time. Use a purse with a shoulder strap. If you use the phone for a long time, use a speaker phone or headset.
Avoid reaching and bending. Use lazy susans, pull-out shelves and reachers.
Avoid lifting. Slide items or use carts.

Stand as close to the object as you can with your feet spread apart.
Bend at your knees, keeping your back straight.
Grasp the load firmly. Hold the load close to the center of your body and face the direction you want to walk. This will help you avoid twisting and turning.
To unload, bend your knees and slide the load into place.

Carry the object at waist level with your elbows slightly bent.
Try not to carry an object on one side of your body. If you have to, set the object down once in a while.
Try to use a rolling cart to carry heavy items.

Every night, leave your robe and slippers (or shoes and socks) and underwear where they are easy to reach in the morning. Before getting up, do some dressing while sitting on the edge of the bed.
Sit on a chair or the bed to finish getting dressed.
Do not wear belts or tight clothing.
Wear slip-on shoes. Your favorite lace-up shoes can be changed to slip-ons by using elastic shoelaces.
If shaving makes you tired, put a mirror on the table. Rest your elbows.

Use a bath bench to sit on in the shower.
Use grab bars/no-slip strips for your safety.
Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to reduce steam and keep your muscles from becoming too relaxed.
Use a shower extension hose or hand-held shower.
Wrap up in a terry cloth towel or robe instead of drying yourself.
Use oxygen in the shower if you use oxygen when you are active. Put the oxygen tubing over the shower rod to keep it out of the way.
You can take a "basin bath" instead of a tub bath. It is not necessary to get wet all over to get clean.