Don’t except heart disease as your fate just because it is the leading killer for both men and women in the United States. Although you can’t change family history or your age there are things that you can do to prevent heart disease.

The most significant risk factor in heart disease today is tobacco. Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products. If you quit smoking, your chances of a heart attack the first year are greatly reduced.

Tobacco smoke has more than 4,800 chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

The nicotine in cigarettes makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.

Stay as active as you can. Get plenty of exercise.

If you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.

Eat a heart healthy diet. This means to cut back or quit eating red meats, eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat meats such as turkey, skinless chicken and fish. Do not eat fried foods.