Action

Prevention

• Know your numbers. By knowing your numbers and assessing your risks now, you can work with your doctor to significantly reduce your chances of getting heart disease tomorrow, next year, or 30 years from now!
• Exercise regularly. Step, march or jog in place for at least 30 minutes most days of the week - you can even do it while watching TV.
• Stop smoking. Can't go cold turkey? Cut the number of cigarettes you smoke each day in half; then cut that number in half; cut it in half again; finally, cut down to zero!
• Maintain a healthy weight. Cutting out just 200 to 300 calories a day - about one candy bar's worth - can help you lose up to two pounds per week and gradually bring you closer to a heart-healthy weight.
• Avoid excessive salt intake. Check out the Nutrition Facts panel on packaged foods to see how much sodium (salt) they contain. Aim for a total intake of no more than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) per day.
• Know your family history. By determining if heart disease runs in your family, you can proactively take steps to incorporate heart healthy habits into your life and thereby decrease your risk for developing heart disease.