• Quit smoking. Smokers are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than nonsmokers. Smoking also increases the risk of a stroke.
• Control your blood pressure. Cut down on salt and alcohol. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and low fat or nonfat dairy products that supply plenty of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and calcium.
• Control your blood cholesterol. Get it checked at least once every five years.
• Control your weight. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Avoid fad diets and diet pills.
• If you have diabetes, monitor and control your blood sugar levels.
• Reduce your stress level.
• Exercise. Just 30 minutes most days of the week helps!

Discuss with your primary care physician:

• Your heart disease risks and your family’s heart disease history.
• Whether birth control pills are right for you. If you have had blood clots, a heart attack, stroke, or another kind of cardiovascular disease, birth control pills may not be the best choice.
• If you are over 50 years of age: aspirin therapy
• If you are post-menopausal: hormone replacement therapy.
• If you have ever had a mini stroke or TIA or if you have risk factors for a stroke
• If vascular screens or a HeartSaver CT Scan would be appropriate for you