heart doctors near me LIFESTYLE CHANGES In the earliest stages of heart failure, practicing healthy habits may be all you need to manage your condition. In later stages, your doctor may recommend healthy lifestyle changes to support your treatment and overall health. Healthy lifestyle changes include: Quitting smoking Controlling your weight and maintaining a low-salt, low-fat, low-alcohol diet Reducing stress Keeping track of your daily fluid intake Avoiding or reducing caffeine Monitoring your blood pressure Getting plenty of rest Exercising