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Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Circulation of blood through the heart

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Heart failure

Alternative Names: CHF; Congestive heart failure Prevention: Follow your health care provider's recommendations for treatment of conditions that may cause congestive heart failure. These recommendations may include: Treat your high blood pressure with diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. Treat your high cholesterol with diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. DO NOT smoke Avoid alcohol use Take an ACE inhibitor if you have heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Treat arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and keep your heart rate under control. Treat an underlying thyroid disorder. Text Continues Below Also, consider the following lifestyle habits, especially if you have a strong family history of CHF: Reduce salt intake. Exercise

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