A number of studies have shown that heart failure symptoms can be improved with a special type of pacemaker. It paces both the right and left sides of heart. This is referred to as biventricular pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy. Ask your provider if you are a candidate for this.
Five sets of bench presses are recommended for most people. On heavier days, warm up with a set of 10 repetitions at about 50 percent of body weight. Then do one set of 8 repetitions, one with 6 and one with between 3 and 5 repetitions. Try to get at least 2 to 3 repetitions on the last set. Only power lifters and experienced bodybuilders should max out on the bench press.
Before you attempt a max bench press, lie to yourself about the weight. Say you have 200 pounds that you are about to try to bench. Lie to yourself and tell yourself that it is nothing and that you've done it before. Also, pretend that it is only 150 pounds for example.