One of the best things you can do to avoid the disease progressing, is to avoid stress as much as possible. In the UK, it was 'assumed' that higher instances of heart disease in poorer areas were associated with a bad diet. However, it has now been realised that higher stress levels exist in poor areas, giving rise to a greater number of heart problems. I think it was very bad that scientists would assume poor people don't know what to eat.
This is very true. With the proper meds, eating a heart healthy diet and regular exercise is the best treatment for heart disease. This helps improve heart function. I walk very briskly for an hour a day everyday. Not sure what the heart rate I should not exceed is. I'm sure my heart would tell me if I reach it. Take care, Ally