5 Tips to Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Are you doing enough to protect against heart disease? While advancements in modern medicine have resulted in a decline of the number of heart disease-related deaths, it's still a worrisome problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 600,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year. You can lower your risk, however, by making some basic changes to your lifestyle.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Arguably, the single most effective way to reduce your risk of heart disease is to maintain a healthy weight. When you are overweight -- even by just 10 pounds -- it places additional stress on the heart and arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. The human body is incredibly resilient, however, and getting down to a healthy weight will have an almost immediate impact on your heart health.

Eat More Fish

Fish, particularly wild-caught varieties of salmon, are loaded in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Known as the "good fats," these fatty acids work to protect the heart from disease. A good rule of thumb is to consume at least one serving of fish per week. If you dislike the taste of fish, you can always choose a fish oil supplement instead. Keep in mind, however, that supplements won't provide the same benefits as actual fish.

Cut Back on the Sodium

Diets high in sodium have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, most people consume significantly more than the recommended 2,300 milligrams. Too much sodium can wreck havoc on your health, causing water retention, damaging the kidneys,  and increasing the risk of heart disease. So if you're looking to lower your risk of heart disease, take a step back to evaluate your diet, and if necessary, reduce your intake of sodium.

Eat More Veggies 

In addition to eating more fish, you should also consume more fresh vegetables. Vegetables contain a plethora of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, many of which are closely linked to heart health.

Stay Active

Of course, it should come as little-to-no surprise that staying active can lower your risk of heart disease. People who live sedentary lifestyles tend to develop significantly more health problems, including heart disease. A general lack of exercise results in increased fat deposits and clogged arteries, both of which play a role in the formation of heart disease. A good rule of thumb is to strike for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day.