Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming the lives of nearly 1 million Americans every year. Many people are unaware that the disease is modifiable and preventable.

While some risk factors for heart disease are out of your control (age, family history), there are many things you can do to reduce your risk. These steps will improve your overall health and reduce your risk for many other lifestyle-related diseases.

In this section:

• Watch Your Diet
• Exercise Regularly
• Do Not Smoke
• Reduce Stress
• Get Your Blood Pressure Checked
• Women and Heart Disease

Watch Your Diet

Excess weight puts extra strain on the heart, raises blood pressure and can cause diabetes. Eat foods low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, high in fiber, and high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

A high total of cholesterol level and/or low HDL (the good cholesterol) can cause plaque buildup in your arteries. Keep a healthy diet and get your cholesterol and blood sugar checked regularly.


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Exercise Regularly

Daily activity will keep you healthy and reduce stress.


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Do Not Smoke

Smoking increase blood pressure, reduces oxygen intake, causes blood clots and lowers HDL cholesterol levels. Smoking is especially dangerous for women who are taking birth control pills, are pregnant or might be pregnant. If you smoke, quit now.


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Reduce Stress

Constant high levels of stress can be bad for your heart. People who are lonely, depressed and isolated are five to seven times more likely to die from heart disease. Toxic emotions can constrict arteries and cause blockages. Find an exercise or stress reduction program that works for you.


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Get Your Blood Pressure Checked

High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and puts the body's venous system under constant pressure. High blood pressure, called hypertension, often has no symptoms, but can lend to heart attacks and strokes.


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Women and Heart Disease

Every year since 1984, more women than men have died of cardiovascular disease. Most women think that cancer is their leading killer. They're wrong. It's heart disease. In fact, nearly twice as many women die of cardiovascular disease than all forms of cancer.

The risk factors and treatment for heart disease are the same in women, but often their symptoms of heart disease are different. Women may not experience the typical crushing chest pain that men may feel.

Women should be aware of the more subtle signs of heart trouble -- fatigue, abdominal discomfort, a feeling like heartburn or chest tightness. If you are feeling these symptoms, don't hesitate to have them evaluated by your physician. State that you are concerned about the possibility of heart disease.


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