Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women in the United States. While some risk factors cannot be controlled, there are several that can be and by making some simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

What Heart Disease Risk Factors Cannot be Changed?

• Age - Women 55 years and older are at greater risk for a heart attack.

• Race or Ethnicity - Certain groups have a higher risk of heart disease, including African Americans and South Asians.

• Family History - Women with a close relative that has/had heart disease (especially at a younger age) are at greater risk.

Additional Risk Factors

In addition to these risk factors that cannot be changed, other risk factors include:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Smoking

6 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

Whether you’re at higher risk of heart disease or simply want to make more informed decisions about your health, here are some ways you can work towards lowering your risk of heart disease.

• Regular Physical Activity - While regularly going to the gym, exercising, and engaging in exercise classes are great, daily walks are a great way to get exercise and get your heart pumping. We always recommend speaking with your health care provider about how much activity is right for you before starting a new regimen.

• Make Heart-Healthy Food Choices - Limiting saturated fats and added sugars in your diet whenever possible and eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will help reduce the risk of heart disease overtime. If you eat meat, opt for lean cuts and limit your serving sizes and the amount of red meat you’re eating.

• Stop Smoking - If you are currently a smoker, or have someone in your household that smokes, quitting can dramatically decrease your risk of heart disease. It’s also much easier to recover from a heart attack or stroke, or live with chronic disease, if you stop smoking.

• Aim for a Healthy Weight - Good nutrition and physical activity are the best way to maintain a healthy weight. Those that are overweight are at a higher risk for heart disease, as well as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

• Reduce Stress - While this is easier said than done, reducing and managing your stress can help reduce your risk of heart disease and can help you avoid bad habits such as smoking.

• Limited Alcohol Intake - Drinking too much can increase your blood pressure and can increase your risk for stroke, cancer, and other ailments and diseases.