Read on for helpful tips to get started losing extra weight for greater heart health.

Some foods are weighed in ounces. Some are measured in spoons or cups. Others, like fruits, are based on an average, or medium, size. Here are some serving sizes and tips to help you judge what 1 serving looks like.

Comparing labels will help you choose foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and calories.

Cooking with less fat may mean learning some new ways to cook. But it doesn't mean eating bland, boring food. And it doesn't mean spending hours in the kitchen. There are lots of ways to cook and season foods using less fat.

You don't have to give up eating out to cut down on fat, cholesterol, and salt. You just need to think about what you order. Many menus highlight low-fat and low-sodium dishes. But if you can't find what you want, ask.

On any menu, some choices will be better for you than others. Check off some of the healthy choices listed here. Keep them in mind the next time you go out to eat.

Eating less fat is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Start by finding out which fats are better to use. Then always try to use as little as you can.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a test that allows your healthcare provider to record images of your heart from inside your esophagus, or food pipe.

A sress echocardiogram, or stress echo, is a test that records images of your heart before and after exercise. Here's what you can expect before, during, and after the test.

If you have cardiomyopathy, you have a problem with the muscle tissue that makes up your heart. Cardiomyopathy means "heart muscle disease." Your heart may not be pumping as well as it should.