There are several lifestyle changes and actions you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease:
- Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day on most days is ideal
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt
- Take prescription medications appropriately
- Manage your risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes)
Learn more about living a healthier lifestyle. Click here.
Exercise
In general, you should do moderate exercise, such as walking at a brisk pace, for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week. If it works better for your schedule, you can break up your physical activity into several ten to 15 minute sessions throughout the day. The benefits are still the same!
Other ideas to help you increase your physical activity throughout the day include:
- Taking the stairs rather than the elevator
- Walking or riding your bicycle to do errands
- Doing sit-ups or push-ups while watching television
- Parking your car in a space furthest from the store
Learn more about exercise and the benefits it has on your health. Click here.
Healthy Weight
Being overweight and having a BMI of 25 or higher can put you at increased risk for heart disease. A health weight varies from person to person, but having a normal body mass index (BMI) is helpful. The BMI calculation assists you in determining if you have a healthy or unhealthy percentage of body fat. Losing just 10 to 15 pounds can help lower your blood pressure and help prevent diabetes — both of which increase your risk of heart disease.
Learn more about maintaining a healthy weight. Click here.
