Prevention of heart failure

Prevention of heart failure

Basic preventive measures

The first preventive measures to take are to reduce the risk factors mentioned above. These risk factors are the same as those which expose the heart problems resulting from atherosclerosis (angina pectoris and myocardial infarction). They are intimately linked to life habits : a healthy and varied diet, physical exercise, stopping smoking and, if necessary, controlling hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes. For more details on prevention, see our Cardiac Disorders fact sheet.

Periodically consult your doctor for a health check. If in doubt, the doctor may suggest an evaluation of the function of the ventricles by echocardiography.

 

Measures to prevent worsening or complications

Consult a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear. Early diagnosis, good medical follow-up, taking medication if necessary, but also lifestyle improvements can slow the progression of the disease.

In addition to the factors mentioned in the basic preventive measures, ensure :

  • maintain a healthy weight;
  • learn to better control stress;
  • limit alcohol consumption;

In addition, avoid the following factors, which accentuate the symptoms:

  • a diet too rich in salt or fat;
  • excessive consumption of water, juice, drinks or soups;
  • taking medicines that cause salt and water retention (for example, anti-inflammatory drugs).

Since infections that affect the respiratory tract worsen symptoms of heart failure, vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus is recommended.3.

 

 

Heart failure prevention: understand everything in 2 min

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