Cardiovascular disease, which includes hypertension, coronary heart disease (heart attack), stroke, and heart failure, has been the leading cause of death in the US since 1900. Fortunately many of the risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease are preventable. There are three major players when it comes to heart heath: tobacco, food and exercise.
One of the biggest risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease is tobacco use. Limiting or eliminating your exposure to tobacco and tobacco products is one the best things you can do for your heart. 

Another way to ensure your ticker works for years to come is to watch what you eat. Limiting your intake of unhealthful fats such as saturated (found in foods like butter, ice cream and red meat) and trans fats (found in foods like pastries and French fries) and replacing them with healthful fats like olive oil, avocados and nuts is a great way to decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Fats aren't the only thing that matter, fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber and it’s known that individuals who have diets high in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The recommendation is to consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. You may be shocked to read that only 22% of adults manage to get in five servings per day. Adequate fruit and vegetable intake can help lower cholesterol, and plays a large part in maintaining a healthful weight.  Consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables each day leaves little room for unhealthful junk food like sweets, soda and chips which all tend to cause weight gain. Being overweight is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease; as one’s BMI increases so too does his risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Another very important factor in preventing weight gain and developing cardiovascular disease is physical activity. Being sedentary (not exercising at all) increases a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease as strongly as having high blood cholesterol levels, hypertension or smoking! This doesn’t mean that you need to start training for a marathon. Even a 30 minute walk can have positive health consequences for your heart.  Moving and eating well most of the time are ways you can ensure that the beat goes on for years to come.