4 Simple Tips to Take Control of Your Heart Health

Heart disease can happen to anyone at any time. But certain behaviors and health conditions can put you at a higher risk of developing heart disease. These include factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diet and family history. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to help keep your heart healthy at any age.

1. Eat smart Aim to fill at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, and try to limit foods that contain trans fats, added sugars and sodium. If a busy schedule leaves you frequently grabbing meals on-the-go, try to set aside one hour a week to plan healthy meals and snacks. Create a weekly menu, shop for ingredients and prepare your meals in advance. Your heart will thank you.
2. Get moving Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week to help keep heart and blood vessels healthy. And it doesn’t matter if the time is divided into 60, 30 or even 10 minute blocks of time. The key is to find an activity you enjoy, which makes it more likely that you’ll stick with it.
3. Be well Lack of sleep, added stress and unhealthy habits can take a toll on heart health. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If a non-stop lifestyle is stressing you out, try to prioritize activities so you’ll have more time for things that are important to you. Finally, try to kick unhealthy habits, like smoking.
4. Know your numbers Keep tabs on your blood pressure, cholesterol and weight by visiting your doctor for regular screenings. If a doctor’s visit or screening indicates that your numbers are outside of a healthy range, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to improve your health.

By making a few small changes to your daily routine, like the ones above, you can help keep your heart healthy and may help lower your risk of developing heart disease. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any symptoms, concerns or changes in your health. And keep in mind that you can use your CareCredit credit card for routine doctor and specialist visits.* Use our CareCredit Acceptance Locator or Mobile App to find a nearby provider that accepts CareCredit.