Don't smoke.
Not only can smoking cause lung problems, but it can also hurt your heart.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Your heart has to work harder if you're carrying around excess pounds.
Get regular physical exercise.
You don't need to run marathons. Simply getting regular cardiovascular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart.
Eat a balanced diet.
Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, and make sure that you get plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Get regular physicals.
Risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes may not have symptoms that you can see. That's why regular physicals are so important. If you have any of these conditions, see your doctor right away for treatment to help lower your risk for heart disease. It's not uncommon for people in their 30s and 40s to have heart problems. And heart disease is the number one killer of women, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Eat less sugar and fat.
Read food labels and be sure to stay away from trans and saturated fats.
Minimize stress.
Too much stress can raise your blood pressure, which can strain your heart.
Know your family history.
If heart disease is common in your family, let your doctor know. He or she can work with you to help you avoid developing heart disease yourself.
Ignore stereotypes.
Heart disease isn't limited to older people and men. It's not uncommon for people in their 30s and 40s to have heart problems. And heart disease is the number one killer of women, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Don't trick yourself or ignore possible symptoms.
Think that feeling in your chest is just heartburn? Let a doctor decide. And talk with your doctor if you're thinking about taking aspirin on a regular basis.
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