5 Ways To Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk

Heart disease is still a big issue among men and women. In fact, it causes one in four deaths in the United States. Common risk factors of the disease include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and high blood pressure. If you make some changes in your life, you can lower your chances of developing this chronic health condition. Here are five effective ways to reduce your heart attack risk:

Do Not Let Stress Overtake Your Life

Stress is a pretty dangerous thing if you can't control it. If you let your stress levels get too high, you can increase your chances of developing heart disease. If you learn different stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, you can manage your stress a lot better.

Eat Your Omega-3's

If you are at risk of heart disease, you should definitely include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. They lower inflammation throughout your entire body, which can help your heart stay healthy. Try to eat fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, every week. Other good sources of this healthy fat include olive oil and walnuts.

Stop Puffing Your Cigarettes

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors of heart disease, so it is definitely time to quit the habit. If you put down the cigarette, you can dramatically lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.

Start an Exercise Program

If you do not already exercise regularly, you should start now. Regular physical activity can increase circulation to your heart and lower your risk of obesity, which is another major risk factor of heart disease. Start out with exercises you feel comfortable with, such as walking or swimming. Once you get in better shape, you can try out exercises like running or rowing.

Lower Your Salt Intake

Eating a high-sodium diet can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your chances of developing heart disease. Cutting a lot of salt out of your diet can do a lot of good for your heart. Instead of using table salt to flavor your food, use healthier herbs and spices. Also, eat fewer processed foods, as they contain high levels of sodium.

Heart disease does not have to be in your future. If you follow these helpful tips, you can reduce your risk of developing this disease. However, if you show symptoms of heart disease, visit your doctor as soon as possible.