Is Your Life-Style Killing You?

Lowering Your Risk
of Heart Disease

The Nutrition Action Healthletter suggests the following steps to help you lower your risk of heart disease.

• Stop smoking. Quitting today can cut your risk of heart disease within a year, even if you gain weight.
• Lose weight. If you are overweight, losing as few as five to ten pounds can make a difference.
• Exercise. Regular exercise (at least three times a week) helps to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), keep blood pressure from rising, and keep off excess weight.
• Eat less saturated fat. If your LDL is high, switch to leaner cuts of meat and try 1-percent (low-fat) milk or skim (fat-free) milk instead of 2-percent milk.
• Limit alcohol consumption. There are indications that those who drink red wine in moderation may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and other foods rich in soluble fiber.