The most common risk factors for heart failure include:

Coronary artery disease

Previous heart attack

Heart valve problems

Cardiomyopathy

Other major risk factors include:

High blood pressure

Genetics (congenital heart defects)

Infections (especially viral infections)

Obesity

Less well recognized risk factors of heart failure include:

Sleep apnea

Nutrient deficiencies

An unhealthy diet (low in antioxidant vegetables and high in animal fats)

Stress

Lack of exercise

All of these also contribute to coronary artery disease, which is a major risk factor for heart failure.