Empowering Health > Cardiac & Stroke > 6 Easy Tips for a Healthier Heart

Risk factors such as family history and age can’t be changed, but there are plenty of steps you can take to lessen your risk for heart disease.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. Smoking actually doubles your chances of getting heart disease. Tobacco-related illnesses are the most preventable causes of death in the United States.

Have your blood pressure and your cholesterol checked regularly. You have high blood pressure if two or more of your readings are 140/90 mm Hg or higher. If your doctor detects this early, lifestyle changes or medication may be the best treatment options.

Read labels to make sure you eat foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Limit your intake of saturated fat to 8 to 10 percent of your total daily calories. Incorporate fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet.

Stay physically active. Exercising for 30 to 60 minutes a day will help maintain a healthy heart.

Maintain proper weight. If you are carrying too much fat, especially in the waist, you run a risk of stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Have regular medical checkups and ask your physician about a Cardiac Disease Risk Assessment.