Risk Factors and Prevention
Heart failure can happen to almost anyone. It is most common in people over 65, and is more common in African-Americans. It is the number one reason for hospitalization for people over age 65.
Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure is caused by other diseases or con- ditions that damage the heart muscle. It is often caused by coronary artery disease, including heart attacks. Diabetes and high blood pressure also contribute to heart failure risk.
Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death in men and women. It happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed. People who have had a heart attack are at high risk of developing heart failure.
Preventing Heart Failure
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk for coro- nary artery disease and heart failure. These things include:
- keeping your cholesterol levels healthyy
- keeping your blood pressure at a normal levely
- losing weight if you are overweighty
- quitting smokingy
- limiting the amount of alcohol you drinky
- limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, trans-fat, and choles- teroly
- exercising at least 30 minutes a day
