According to the American Heart Association, more than one in three female adults have some form of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors can be hereditary, but other factors are related to your habits and lifestyle – things you can control and change to minimize your risk of developing heart disease.
Here are the steps you can take to help prevent heart disease.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, you are 2 to 6 times more likely to suffer a heart attack than a non-smoking woman.
Control your blood pressure
Have your blood pressure checked regularly, and if it’s too high, work with your healthcare provider to lower it and keep it under control.
Lower your cholesterol
Have your cholesterol checked and follow your healthcare provider’s advice for keeping it low.
Maintain a healthy weight
Your healthcare provider can advise you on a weight range that’s healthy for you.
Get moving
Studies show that 60% of women don’t get the exercise they should, and 25% are completely inactive. Thirty minutes of moderate movement most or all days of the week is all it takes.
Control diabetes
The risk of death from heart disease is about three times higher in women with diabetes. Consult your healthcare provider if you have a family history of diabetes or if you have other risk factors associated with diabetes.