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9 heart-healthy rules to live by

Put these practices into place and you could lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

women stretching on grass
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Cardiovascular disease accounts for one in three deaths in the United States, which translates to a lost life every 38 seconds, according to the American Heart Association. On top of that, heart disease remains the number one cause of death in America. Statistics like these highlight just how important it is to take care of your heart.

The good news? “There are a numberShow More

couple running in park
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Keep Couch Time to a Minimum

After a long day of work, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. But there are a number of reasons why it should be one of your top priorities. “Exercise increases your metabolism and helps you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn helps your blood pressure and blood sugar levels stay in aShow More

hummus and pita plate
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Eat Like You Live Near the Mediterranean

There’s a reason why the Mediterranean diet gets so much buzz—eating this way may come with heart perks. A study published in September 2018 in the journal Stroke showed that following a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with a lower risk of stroke in women over 40 (though not in men).Show More

peaceful woman standing outside
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Find Ways to Limit Stress

It’s easier said than done. But stress may have a real impact on your heart. “Stress can raise your blood pressure, which may in turn raise your risk of heart disease,” says Dunham.

A study published in August 2018 in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found an associationShow More

no smoking sign
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Never Start Smoking—or Quit ASAP

One of a cardiologist’s worst nightmares? Cigarettes. “Smoking is a known risk factor for heart attacks, stroke and other vascular diseases,” says Dunham. “It’s not just lung cancer that smokers have to worry about.”

In fact, a review of research published in January 2018 in the journal BMJ foundShow More

pouring wine bottle
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Limit alcohol, or avoid it entirely

Some research has shown that drinking alcohol in moderation is associated with certain health perks, including some cardiovascular benefits, but these findings are not definitive. Meanwhile, any possible benefits, which are frequently overstated, may be offset by alcohol’s considerable drawbacks,Show More

man smiling
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Nurture a Positive Outlook

You have good friends, a great family and a roof over your head. You’re pretty lucky, right? It’s important to remind yourself of these things regularly, both for your mental and physical health. Positive well-being (which includes positive emotions, optimism and life satisfaction) is associatedShow More

woman sleeping peacefully
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Make Sleep a Top Priority

Do you aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, but always come up short? Here’s why you’ll want to get in the habit of logging sufficient sleep: Poor sleep quality and habits—like sleeping less than five hours per night or more than nine—are associated with a higher risk for early signs of heartShow More

man checking heart rate on smart watch
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Get Familiar With Your Heart Numbers

You may have heard the phrase “Know your numbers” in the month of February (which happens to be American Heart Month), but there’s good reason to be familiar with your heart-related data year-round. “Knowledge is power,” says Dunham.

Your doctor will use measures including blood pressure,Show More

team building a house
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Carve Out Time to Volunteer

Giving back can make you feel good, but it may also have an impact on your heart. In one study published in June 2013 in the journal Psychology and Aging, researchers asked participants (age 51 to 91 without high blood pressure) if they performed volunteer work, and if so, for how many hours a year.Show More

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