Heart Health Management

Some risk factors for heart disease are beyond our control. But the good news is that there are many lifestyle choices you can make to help you take charge of heart health and reduce your risk of heart attack or ischemic stroke.

Make Regular Doctor Visits

Even if you feel healthy and have few risk factors for heart disease, you should still make regular appointments with your doctor. That way, you can feel in control and make sure you're attacking or preventing problems before they even start.
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Quit Smoking

Smokers have a 70% higher risk of death from coronary heart disease than non-smokers. So if you smoke, talk to your doctor about kicking the habit once and for all. By quitting, you can substantially reduce your risk of coronary heart disease within two years.
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Eat Smart

By eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, you can reduce your risk for heart disease. Eat fish, poultry, lean meats, low-fat or non-fat dairy products and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Orange juice is the number one source of folate, which some studies show may help your heart. And folic acid and vitamins C and E may also be associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.
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Be Active

Get out your bike or lace up those walking shoes! Studies show that physically active people have a substantially lower risk of cardiovascular disease than sedentary ones. Start off slowly and gradually build up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week. But remember, you should always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
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Watch Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking one or two alcoholic beverages a day may actually lower your risk of heart disease. But, alcohol intake also has some well-known health risks. So if you don't drink already, don't start just to protect your heart. Talk with your doctor about what's right for you and your heart.
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Consider an Aspirin Regimen

If you've already had a heart attack, an aspirin regimen taken as directed by your doctor can reduce your risk of a second attack by about one-third. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
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Take Charge

It's important to set realistic and achievable goals that can become part of your life and routine. And don't forget these easy tips for taking charge of heart health:

Make yourself a priority. By maintaining your health, you'll be better prepared to be your best at work, at home or anywhere else.
Tackle your health as a team. It's essential to have open communication and regular dialogue with your doctors in order to identify the best medical treatments and lifestyle changes for you.
Seek out support. Partner with friends and family to help you accomplish your goals. Join support groups and don't be afraid to seek the help of a qualified therapist or counselor if needed.
Celebrate your success. Feeling good about yourself and reinforcing the positive steps you're taking will help you stay on track for success.