Log In
Create an Account
Find an Interventional Cardiologist
Heart Condition Centers
. . . Browse All Condition Centers
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Angina/Chest Pain
Kidney (Renal) Artery Disease
Atrial Fibrillation
* * * NEW * * *
Leg Vein Problems (Venous Disease)
Cardiomyopathies
* * * NEW * * *
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
* * * NEW * * *
Carotid Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
* * * NEW * * *
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Stories From Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Their Families
Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease
Stroke
Heart Attack
Valvular Heart Disease
Heart Failure
Women's Cardiovascular Health
Pediatric Heart Centers
. . . Browse All Condition Centers
Heart Health for Kids
Coming Soon!
Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Living With Congenital Heart Disease
Common Heart Conditions in Children
Stories From Patients with Congenital Heart Disease & Their Families
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
Treatment Options for Congenital Heart Disease
Coming Soon!
Diagnosing Heart Disease in Children
Coming Soon!
Healthy Living Centers
. . . Browse All Healthy Living Centers
Risk Factor Modification
Medications & Heart Health
Sexual Activity & Cardiovascular Disease
Nutrition, Diet & Your Heart
Sleep & Heart Health
Coming Soon!
Physical Activity, Exercise & Your Heart
Stress Management
Quitting Smoking
Tests
A-to-Z Guide to Heart Tests
Testing for Cardiovascular Conditions
Coming Soon!
Children & Medical Tests
Coming Soon!
Tests You Take at Home
Lab Tests
Tests You Take at Your Doctor’s Office or the Hospital
Treatments
. . . Browse Treatments by Condition
Left Atrial Appendage Closure - LAAC
* * * NEW * * *
. . . Browse Treatments by Procedure
Coming Soon!
Medications & Heart Health
Angioplasty & Stents
Risk Factor Modification
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Treatment Options for Congenital Heart Disease
Coming Soon!
Coronary Bypass Surgery
Valve Repair & Replacement
Coming Soon!
Health Resources
Glossary: Terms to Know
SecondsCount Guide to New Treatments & Technologies
How Your Heart Works
SecondsCount Guide to the Affordable Care Act
SecondsCount Guide to Health Insurance
Your Cardiovascular Care Team
SecondsCount Guide to Healthcare
About Us
About SCAI
More Information & Support: Resource List
Acknowledgments
Privacy Policy
Meet the Editors
Terms & Conditions
Mended Hearts
Advertisement
Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
Email
Print
5/12/2014
You can take steps to lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Family history – traits inherited from parents – is a risk factor none of us can change. But we can change our diet, exercise and lifestyle to lower the chance of developing cardiovascular disease or heart attacks. Here are things you can do to keep your arteries healthy – and prevent cardiovascular disease:
Don't smoke or use tobacco products.
If you do smoke, seek help to stop smoking.
If you have high blood pressure, use diet, exercise, and medication to control your blood pressure.
If you have diabetes, discuss how to achieve the best blood glucose levels and keep your HgBA1C less than 7.
Exercise. Strengthen your cardiovascular system and keep your weight under control through regular exercise. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that is appropriate for you before you begin.
Eat a healthy diet. Be careful about your intake of salt and saturated fats. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Maintain a normal weight.
Reduce stress as much as possible.
Heart News
1
2
3
4
5
Next »
1-5 of 192 results
What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?
9/8/2016
Menopause & Heart Disease
9/6/2016
Causes of Heart Failure
9/4/2016
Performance-Enhancing Drugs & The Heart
9/1/2016
It Takes a Team: Learn About Care Teams for Heart Failure
5/4/2016
View All News
More HeartSmarts for You...
1
2
3
1-10 of 29 results
19 Everyday Things That Could Impact Your Heart Health (and What Your Heart Has to Say About It)
About Your Coronary Bypass Surgery
Avoid Smoking, Second-Hand Smoke and All Tobacco Use
Benefits and Risks of Coronary Bypass Surgery
Common Myths About Smoking
e-Cigarettes, Vape Pipes, Hookah Pens: Nicotine Vapor Products & Your Health
How Soon Do You Benefit From Quitting Smoking?
How to Get FITT!
How to Manage Stress
How to Read a Medication Label
Learn from Patients
Like You...
There were no results.
This website and the information contained herein do not—and are not intended to—constitute professional medical services or treatment of any kind. SecondsCount.org content should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This website should be considered for general informational purposes only.
Additional Information »
*
Required
*
First Name:
*
Last Name:
Member ID:
*
Phone Number:
*
Email:
*
Enter code:
*
Message:
Thank you
Your feedback has been sent.