You have a lot of control over your health, and this is a good time to do something about it. According to research conducted in Britain, controllable lifestyle and behavior factors have a significant impact on your risk of developing heart disease. One thing to do is stop smoking. Up to a fifth of heart disease deaths in men may be caused by smoking. Just by quitting smoking, you can cut your risk for heart disease in half within one or two years.
Exercise is another important factor.
About 38 percent of heart disease deaths in women can be linked to a lack of exercise. High cholesterol, which is related to both diet and exercise, plays a big role. Nearly half of all heart disease deaths in women are caused by high cholesterol. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say you don't have to become a health fanatic to lower your risk for heart disease. Eat a moderate, low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.