What are the best strategies for improving my cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease?

Improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, following a heart-healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy weight. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoiding processed and high-fat foods is also important.

Other lifestyle changes include getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding or managing conditions that can contribute to heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. It is important to schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your heart health and make any necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.