You may need to make lifestyle changes that improve the overall health of your heart, especially to prevent or treat conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Your doctor may suggest several lifestyle changes, including:
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Eat heart-healthy foods
Eat a healthy diet that's low in salt and solid fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. -
Exercise regularly
Exercise daily and increase your physical activity. -
Quit smoking
If you smoke and can't quit on your own, talk to your doctor about strategies or programs to help you break a smoking habit. -
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases your risk of developing heart disease. -
Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control
Make lifestyle changes and take medications as prescribed to correct high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol. -
Drink alcohol in moderation
For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. -
Maintain follow-up care
Take your medications as prescribed and have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Source: Mayo Clinic