Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States — yet many cases are entirely preventable. This guide gives you the facts, the warning signs, and the steps to take action today.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Even 10-minute walks count and add up fast.
Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Early detection is a powerful prevention tool.
Quitting smoking reduces heart disease risk significantly — and benefits begin within days of stopping.
Chronic stress and poor sleep raise blood pressure. Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly.
| Action | Why It Helps | How to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Check Your Blood Pressure | Detects hypertension before symptoms appear | Visit a pharmacy or community health screening |
| Walk 10 Minutes Daily | Builds cardiovascular fitness, lowers blood pressure | Schedule it like a meeting — same time every day |
| Swap Your Snacks | Lowers sodium and added sugar intake | Replace chips or sweets with fruit, nuts, or veggies |
| Learn Hands-Only CPR | Can double survival chances during cardiac arrest | Take a free online course from the American Heart Association |
5 questions · Your responses are recorded for completion tracking