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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 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.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released physical activity guidelines that recommend the types and amounts of physical activity that children and youth age 6 or older, adults, people over the age of 65, women who are pregnant or just had a baby, and other groups can do.

Peripheral artery disease is more common in blacks than any other racial or ethnic group. The major risk factors for peripheral artery disease include smoking, older age, and diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.

Your doctor will diagnose heart valve disease based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and results from one or more tests: electrocardiogram (EKG), chest x ray, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, stress testing, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

To get started and stay active make physical activity part of your daily routine, personalize the benefits, be active with friends and family, make everyday activities more active, reward yourself with time for physical activity, keep track of your progress, be active and safe, and talk with your doctor.

Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. The term "metabolic" refers to the biochemical processes involved in the body's normal functioning.

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.

Doctors usually detect mitral valve prolapse when they hear a heart murmur or abnormal heart sounds during a physical exam. To diagnose this condition your doctor may order the following tests and procedures: echocardiography with Doppler ultrasound, chest x ray, and electrocardiogram (EKG).

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.