Prevention
In the meantime, there are a handful of things you can do to prevent heart disease and get a grip on your health overall.
Eat right!
You are what you eat. Choose foods that are both low in sodium, saturated fat and trans-fat. Look to fruits and veggies, fiber-rich options like whole grains, fish (at least twice per week), lean meat cuts (chicken, turkey), nuts, legumes and seeds and occasionally, a meal or two without meat. Select lower fat dairy products and poultry (skinless). Also, limit your sugar intake.
Hit the gym.
Aim for 2½ hours – that’s 150 minutes — of aerobic activity like brisk walking, jogging, or biking every week or 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous activity like running or hiking each week. Meanwhile, kids should get at least 60 minutes of activity every day!
Don’t forget the weights.
On two or more days a week, focus on muscle-strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest shoulders and arms.
RELATED: What Helps Your Heart More, Losing Fat or Gaining Muscle?
Follow the signs.
Don’t ignore the signs. Getting your annual physical or making the slightest change to your lifestyle could mean the difference between life and death.