Understanding Heart Disease - Prevention

How Can I Prevent Heart Disease?

• To stabilize both blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to keep your weight in check, try to eat more fruits, vegetables, and grains and fewer foods that are salty, high in fat, or fried.
• Exercise regularly (at least three to four times a week for 30 minutes at a time) in order to tone your heart and blood vessels -- and to shed excess pounds.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if you drink.
• Don't smoke.
• Learn to control stress rather than letting it control you.
• If you feel you are at risk, ask your doctor about taking an aspirin a day to prevent heart attack.