Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology

Patient Education Material

Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: What You Can Do Now

You have the power to decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke or developing heart disease:

• Stop smoking cigarettes.
• Make sure your blood pressure is adequately treated.
• Lower high blood cholesterol.
• Learn how to control your diabetes, if you have diabetes.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Become physically active.
• Eat a healthy diet with high-fiber foods and at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Learn strategies to reduce and manage your stress.

You do not have to do this alone. You should discuss your individual risk with you health care provider and together you can make a plan to decrease your risk for heart disease.

Are You at Risk?

It is important to understand your personal risk for developing heart disease and what key strategies will help you develop and lead a heart healthy lifestyle – the first step to prevention. 

Click here to use the 10-Year Heart Attack Risk Calculator.