1.
Smoking
is a major cause of heart disease. Work with your doctor to develop a plan to
quit. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
2.
High
blood pressure, called hypertension, significantly increases your risk of heart
disease and heart attack. To lower blood pressure, try to eat a heart-healthy
diet and engage in regular physical activity. Your doctor may prescribe
medications to help.
3.
Diabetes
is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you have diabetes, work with your
doctor to control your blood sugar levels.
4.
If you
don't know your cholesterol numbers, now is the time to find out.
.
a.
High levels of LDL
("bad") cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease.
b.
High levels of HDL
("good") cholesterol protect against heart disease.
c.
High levels of total
cholesterol also increase your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol levels can be improved with
exercise and a healthy diet low in unhealthy fats and alcohol. If these
strategies don't work, your doctor can prescribe medications.
5.
Obesity and being overweight are major risk
factors for a host of diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Exercise
and a healthy diet can help, but some people might want to work with a doctor
or a dietitian to help them get to a healthy weight.
6.
Studies show that regular exercise can prevent
heart disease, slow down the progression of heart disease, lower blood
pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
7.
You are what you eat. Try to eat less trans fat
and increase your intake of omega-3 fats such as those found in salmon. Try to
eat more fruits and vegetables.
8.
Practice a relaxation technique such as yoga or
meditation, and take time out every day for a few quiet minutes to unwind and
appreciate life.
9.
Stay in
touch with friends and family. Research shows that people with poor social
support are more vulnerable to heart disease.
10.
Seek
ways to control feelings of anger and hostility; these emotions may add to
heart attack risk.
11.
Talk
with your doctor about taking an aspirin daily. Studies have shown that this
regimen significantly reduces the risk of heart attack in some people.
Source: Collected
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