Prevention of Heart Failure

Many cases of heart failure can be prevented or delayed by treating the conditions that cause it.

Treat the causes

• High blood pressure: keep it controlled with medicines, a low-salt diet and weight control.
• Coronary artery disease: manage cholesterol, take prescribed medicines and consider procedures when advised.
• Diabetes: keep blood sugar in the target range. SGLT2 inhibitors may also protect the heart.
• Heart valve disease: have valve problems checked and treated. Rheumatic fever prevention and treatment of sore throats in children help prevent rheumatic heart disease.
• Abnormal rhythms: treat atrial fibrillation and fast heart rates.
• Sleep apnoea, anaemia and thyroid disease: treat them.

Daily habits

• Do not use tobacco in any form.
• Limit alcohol, or avoid it if you have heart muscle disease.
• Stay active, with about 150 minutes of brisk walking or similar a week, as your doctor allows.
• Eat a low-salt, high-fibre diet and keep a healthy weight.
• Manage stress and sleep well.

If you already have a weak heart

Taking your medicines, getting vaccinated, weighing daily and attending follow-up can prevent flare-ups.

Know the early signs

Breathlessness, swelling and weight gain should prompt a check, and emergency symptoms need a call to 112 or 102.

Key point

Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar and heart attack risk prevents most heart failure.

Before your appointment

Bring your list of medicines and supplements, recent test reports such as echocardiogram, ECG and kidney tests, and your daily weight and blood pressure log. Note any breathlessness, swelling, night-time symptoms or reduced activity, and how much salt and fluid you take. Ask about warning signs and when to call 112 or 102.