How to prevent heart disease

Heart disease is often preventable by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. See what five strategies you can adopt now to protect your heart.

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate. Although you lack the power to change some risk factors — such as family history, age and race — you can always control your lifestyle choices.

Take steps to avoid heart disease by not smoking, getting regular exercise and eating healthy foods. Prevent heart problems in the future by adopting a healthy lifestyle today. Here are five strategies to get you started.


1. Don't smoke or use tobacco products
2. Exercise, exercise, exercise
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Get regular health screenings