Living with heart failure can be an intimidating and emotional prospect for many people. The good news is that there are things you can do by following a healthy lifestyle and diet to improve your overall well-being.  This page is dedicated to sharing positive stories of heart failure patients and their physicians.

Stay Positive.  Stay Active.

It may sound far-fetched, but there is significant research that backs up the notion that a positive attitude goes a long way towards extending life and improving quality of life.  What can you do to help stay positive?  How can you stay active without exacerbating your condition?

• Remain as active as possible!  Get outside, travel, visit friends and family.  Be sure to consult with your physician before engaging in any exercise activity.
• Volunteer with an organization that you believe in, and fits your level of activity.
• Engage in heart failure support groups, either locally, on the internet, or both.  You are not alone in your battle with heart failure.
• Perhaps most importantly, realize that although you have a serious disease you are still alive!  Focus on the things you enjoy in life; family, friends, hobbies, etc.
• Never give up, even on the toughest days.

Look what our patients have done!

View the video on the right (or click here if on a mobile device) to listen to Dr. Jaski talk about the half-marathon he ran with several heart transplant patients.  Visit our LVAD page to see one of our LVAD patients zip-lining in Costa Rica.  Check out the heart transplant page and view the video there (or click here) to learn about Debbie, who is starting life all over again with a new heart.  All of these patients have stayed positive, followed doctor’s recommendations, and are making the most of their lives by taking control of their condition.  Speak with your physician to determine what kinds of activities are safe for you to participate in, you may be surprised at the things you can do!