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You can take action to prevent heart disease and heart failure by avoiding illegal drugs, being physically active, following a heart-healthy eating plan, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Your doctor will diagnose heart failure based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and results from one or more tests: electrocardiogram (EKG), chest x ray, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) blood test, echocardiography, Doppler ultrasound, Holter monitor, nuclear heart scan, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, stress testing, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and thyroid function tests.

The most common signs and symptoms of heart failure are shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck.

Heart failure is more common in people age 65 or older, blacks, people who are overweight, and people who have had a heart attack. Children who have congenital heart defects also can develop heart failure.

Conditions that damage or overwork the heart muscle can cause the heart to weaken, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, other heart conditions, and other factors.

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs because it can't fill with enough blood and/or can't pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force.

After a heart attack, you'll need treatment for coronary heart disease to help prevent another heart attack. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medicines, and a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Lowering your risk factors for coronary heart disease—through heart-healthy lifestyle changes and ongoing medical care—can help you prevent a heart attack.

Your doctor will diagnose a heart attack based on your signs and symptoms, your medical and family histories, and results from one or more tests: electrocardiogram (EKG), blood tests, and coronary angiography.

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, upper body discomfort, and shortness of breath.