Interesting idea, but I think it needs to be fleshed out a little more. I was able to easily beat the game by just going down and occasionally picking up an item, I didn't even know what any of them did, they just gave me hp. I feel like there's potential to the idea if the items are more unique and you have to choose to lose health to move through enemies to get a certain item that will help you later. It should be much harder to gain health too.
Feel free to rate my game too if you get the chance :)