How Can Heart Failure Be Prevented?

The major underlying causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease (including angina and heart attack), high blood pressure, and diabetes. The What Causes Heart Failure section lists the most common causes. Getting treatment and staying in treatment for any underlying condition that you have can greatly reduce your risk.

Other things you can do to reduce your risk include:

• Eating a heart healthy diet low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol. The prevention section of the Web site on “Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure” provides information and links on heart healthy eating.
• Quitting smoking if you smoke.
• Losing weight if you are overweight.