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Having hypertension (high
blood pressure) can raise your risk for heart failure considerably.
Lowering your blood pressure to normal levels can cut your risk of heart
failure in half. To prevent or control hypertension, you should start
exercising, limiting alcohol, and controlling your stress levels. You
should also cut down on your salt intake and be sure to get regular
check ups with your doctor.
Exercise is also helpful
in that it can help to control your weight, blood pressure, and stress
levels. Controlling these things will help to prevent heart failure.
Try to enjoy some activities that will raise your heart rate. The American
Heart Association is now recommending that people get about an hour
of exercise every day. Of course, you should be sure to talk to your
doctor before starting an exercise program.
If you drink alcohol, drink
moderately. This means no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink
a day for women. Heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to heart failure.
If you have consumed alcohol for many years, it may take awhile before
your heart can recover. Heart failure will surely occur if you continue
to drink in excess. On the other hand, if you do not have an issue with
over indulging, have a glass or two (not three!) of wine, even every
day, could be beneficial to the health of your heart.