Brisk walking, jogging, biking and swimming for 30 minutes 3-4 times per week are excellent forms of aerobic activity. Tense muscles, headaches, elevated blood pressure, overeating and irritability can be signs of high stress levels. Learn to manage stress with exercise, meditation or other relaxation techniques. Eat a well-balanced, low fat diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoids saturated fat and cholesterol. Factors you cannot control Knowing all your risk factors, even those you cannot control, can be helpful in maintaining good health.
Heart disease can be hereditary.
Knowing your family history can help you and your doctor proactively approach your health care. After menopause, women lose the protection of estrogen to help fight heart disease. Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Diabetes is associated with other risk factors such as being overweight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Regular medical checkups and weight control are important.