How to Prevent Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure occurs when your heart fails to pump sufficient blood to satisfy the demand for oxygen and nutrients of the body. Your heart will become weak and stiff over time, and your blood will back up into the liver, the lungs and the legs and ankles. Congestive heart failure is a serious condition and can be fatal if not treated properly.

Instructions

• 1

  Be aware of early symptoms of congestive heart failure, which include fatigue, diminishing ability to exercise, swelling in ankles and legs, shortness of breath -- particularly during exercise, difficulty to sleep at night and overactive bladder.

• 2

  Lower your cholesterol by changing your diet and exercise. Develop a healthy diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Lose weight, if you are overweight or obese. Ideally, your body mass index (BMI) should range from 21 to 25. Exercise regularly.

• 3

  Lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause heart attack (myocardial infarction), dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophy, and stroke. Eat a diet low in sodium. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetable. Quit smoking. Reduce stress.

• 4

  Take appropriate medications if diet and exercise are not sufficient to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

• 5

  If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar. Studies showed that diabetic patients with lower blood sugar are at lower risks for heart diseases.

• 6

  If you have already developed heart failure, consult with your doctor about coronary artery bypass surgery or another procedure to treat narrowed blood vessels.

• 7

  If you have a first degree relative (parents, children or siblings), who developed hypertension, diabetes or heart diseases, you are at high risk for these conditions. Pay attention to the early symptoms of these conditions, which can result in an early diagnosis and more effective treatment, and as a result, lower the risk of heart failure.