Congestive Heart Failure
2 types:
Systolic heart failure: pump weakens, ejection fraction (EF) less than 55%
Causes: heart attack, valvular heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, viral, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol use
Symptoms: shortness of breath with activity, difficulty breathing when lying flat at night, swelling in the legs and fluid retention
Evaluation: clinical exam, stress test, echocardiogram, blood tests, chest xray
Treatment: medications include ACEi/ARB’s, beta-blockers, diuretics
Lifestyle changes: exercise, low salt diet, daily weights
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or diastolic dysfunction (poor relaxation):
Causes: age, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea
Symptoms: swelling in legs, shortness of breath
Treatment: similar to above with focus on diuretics
Health Pearl: Colorful Stir Fry, adapted from Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow
Ingredients:
Two 8 or 12 oz packs of Extra Firm Tofu
2 Tbs Soy Sauce
1 Tbs Lime Juice
1 Tbs Honey
1 Tbs Minced Garlic
2 Tbs Sesame Oil
3 Cups chopped carrots, celery, broccoli
2 Cups sliced bell pepper, mushrooms, snow peas
1. Marinate sliced, dried tofu with soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and garlic in ziploc bag.
2. Saute carrots, celery, broccoli in sesame oil on high heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes
3. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add pepper, mushrooms, snow peas. Saute 2 minutes
4. Add tofu with marinade. Saute, stirring occasionally. About 5 minutes
5. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Serves 4-6.