Although cardiovascular disease is a major killer, it need not be fatal. Although there are some risk factors for heart disease that you have no control over (such as your family history, your sex, or your age), there are many others that you can modify.

Do not use Tobacco Products

Putting down cigarettes or snuff is one of the healthiest choices you can make. If you don’t smoke, you should still stay away from others who are. The cardiovascular system is particularly vulnerable to the noxious effects of tobacco’s chemical components. Smoking lowers blood oxygen, raising heart rate and blood pressure.

Aim for a Heart-healthy Diet

The risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes can all be mitigated by eating healthily. Foods that are good for your heart include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Soybeans and other legumes
• Whitefish and lean meats
• Fat-free and low-fat dairy products
• True cereals
• Fats that are good for you, like olive oil

Maintain a Routine Checkup Schedule

The cardiovascular system is vulnerable to the harmful effects of excessive blood pressure and cholesterol. However, you won’t know for sure if you have these illnesses unless you are tested for them. Regular checkups can provide you with a sense of your vitals and whether or not you really have to take any preventative measures.