How to Fight Fatigue with Heart Failure

Living with heart failure often means learning to manage a variety of symptoms and fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating. Many people with heart failure find themselves feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep, or worn out by everyday tasks that once felt easy. This constant tiredness can impact your mood, independence and overall quality of life.

But while fatigue is a common part of heart failure, there are steps you can take to reduce its impact. From simple lifestyle changes to emotional support and practical help, managing fatigue is possible — and you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some practical tips to help.

Understanding fatigue in heart failure

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s a deep, ongoing sense of exhaustion that doesn’t always improve with rest. For people living with heart failure, fatigue is often caused by the heart not pumping blood as efficiently as it should. This means less oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles and organs, which can leave you feeling weak, slow or short of breath, even after minimal effort.

There are several reasons why fatigue is so common with heart failure:

• Reduced blood flow and oxygen levels make it harder for the body to stay energised.
• Medications such as beta blockers and diuretics, while essential, can sometimes contribute to tiredness.
• Poor sleep due to breathlessness or needing to get up at night can add to daytime fatigue.
• Mental and emotional strain — like anxiety or low mood — can also affect your energy levels.

It’s important to remember that fatigue can vary from day to day and person to person. If you’re feeling more tired than usual or your energy levels suddenly change, it’s always best to speak with your GP or heart failure nurse. They can help check for any underlying issues, review your medication, and offer advice that’s specific to your condition.

Lifestyle changes to manage fatigue

While heart failure can’t be cured, making small, manageable changes to your daily routine can help ease fatigue and improve your quality of life. It’s about finding the right balance between rest and activity, eating well, and working with your body and not against it.

Prioritise rest and activity

Pacing yourself throughout the day is one of the most effective ways to conserve energy. Try to:

• Plan tasks for when you have the most energy, such as in the morning
• Break larger tasks into smaller steps and take regular short breaks
• Avoid long daytime naps, which can interfere with sleep at night
• Use a daily routine to stay consistent without overexerting yourself

Rest is important, but so is staying gently active. Even small efforts can help your body feel more energised over time.

Stay physically active — safely

You don’t need to run marathons to feel the benefits of movement. Gentle physical activity helps keep circulation strong, reduces breathlessness and can even improve your mood.

• Try light walking, stretching or mobility exercises
• Speak to your heart failure nurse about cardiac rehab or safe exercise options
• Stop if you feel dizzy, short of breath or experience chest pain — and seek advice if needed

Even just moving around the house a few times a day can help maintain strength and stamina.

Eat well to support your energy

A healthy, balanced diet can make a big difference to how you feel. Focus on:

• Small, regular meals to avoid energy dips
• Heart-friendly foods, including fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and lean protein
• Staying hydrated, as even mild dehydration can worsen fatigue
• Limiting salt and processed foods, which can increase fluid retention and make symptoms worse

If your appetite is low or meals feel like too much effort, a carer can help with planning, preparing and even sitting down to eat with you. This can turn mealtimes into something enjoyable again.

Medication and fatigue

Many people with heart failure take a combination of medications to manage their symptoms and protect their heart. While these treatments are essential, some can contribute to feelings of tiredness, especially in the early stages or when doses are adjusted.

Common medications that may cause fatigue include:

• Beta blockers, which slow the heart rate to reduce strain, but can make you feel sluggish
• Diuretics (water tablets), which help reduce fluid but may cause dehydration or low blood pressure
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which manage blood pressure and heart function, sometimes leading to dizziness or tiredness

It’s important not to stop or adjust any medication without speaking to your GP or heart failure nurse. Fatigue caused by medication often improves over time as your body adjusts.

Tips for managing medication-related fatigue:

• Keep a record of how you feel after starting or changing medication
• Take tablets at the same time each day to support routine and minimise side effects
• Stay hydrated, especially when taking diuretics
• Let your healthcare provider know if your fatigue is affecting daily life — they may adjust your treatment plan

Regular reviews with your care team are essential to ensure your medication is still right for you. If you ever feel your fatigue is becoming unmanageable, speak up — support is available.

Practical tips for everyday energy

Managing fatigue often comes down to making small, practical adjustments that reduce physical strain and help you conserve energy throughout the day. These changes can make a big difference in how you feel, especially when paired with the right support.

Make your home work for you

Simple adaptations around the home can help you move more easily and reduce the effort needed for daily tasks:

• Use a perching stool in the kitchen or bathroom
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach

• Install grab rails or handrails for safety and stability
• Use a shower chair or walk-in bath to reduce fatigue during personal care

Use mobility aids

If walking around the home or outdoors is tiring, using a walking stick, rollator or mobility scooter can help you move more safely and independently.

Plan and pace your day

• Do the most important tasks when your energy is highest
• Alternate between activity and rest
• Keep a daily routine to avoid overexertion or underactivity
• Use a weekly planner to spread out physical demands like shopping or laundry

Ask for help when you need it

You don’t have to do everything alone. Whether it’s preparing meals, managing medication or simply having company to talk to, help is available. Trinity carers can support you with day-to-day tasks and provide the reassurance of one-to-one care in the comfort of your home.

Preserving energy isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing things differently, in ways that support your health and independence.

Talk to our team today

Worried about a loved one living with heart failure and fatigue?

Trinity Homecare’s trusted home carers provide one-to-one support at home — helping your loved one stay safe, independent and comfortable, while giving you peace of mind.

Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.