Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? Nearly 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States is due to heart disease.
You are at higher risk for heart disease if you smoke, have high cholesterol, have a higher body weight, have an unhealthy diet, or don’t get enough physical activity. Family history of heart disease can also increase your risk. To reduce your risk of heart disease, it is important to quit smoking, get enough physical activity (150 minutes per week), eat a diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats (avoid red meats), and reduce fat and sodium. Keep a healthy weight and limit alcohol consumption to less than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, it is especially important to take your medications regularly, keep a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
