Prevention is the key to managing the risk for congestive heart failure. Diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol contribute to the development of congestive heart failure. These illnesses must be well-managed, in order to minimize this contribution.

Lifestyle choices that help to prevent congestive heart failure include:

• Regular exercise program.
• Eat a healthy diet:
• Low cholesterol diet.
• Low fat diet.
• Low salt diet.
• Weight loss if you are overweight.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid exposure to secondary smoke.
• Reduce stress.