The path you take to prevent heart failure is the same path to prevent heart disease of any type from occurring. There are some risk factors we can’t control– genetic abnormalities and predispositions, family history, gender and age – but there are many steps we can take to lower risk and prevent future heart disease. And, the younger you are when you start making positive changes, the better. RWJBarnabas Health offers programs to help you get to and stay on the road to good heart health.
Keep cholesterol in check.
If you have diabetes, work with your physician to manage blood glucose levels.
Limit alcohol use.
Control your blood pressure.
Get moving, with your doctor’s approval. Being inactive can be just as dangerous for your health as smoking, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Be proactive in managing stress.
Work to shed extra pounds by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Stop smoking – Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than nonsmokers, according to the American Heart Association.
Talk to your doctor about available services or visit rwjbh.org/heart or call 888-724-7123 to make an appointment with an RWJBarnabas Health cardiac specialist.