Lifestyle and home remedies

Lifestyle changes that help keep your heart as healthy as possible include the following:

• Eat a healthy diet. Heart-healthy foods include fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as lean protein sources such as soy, beans, nuts, fish, skinless poultry and low-fat dairy products. Avoid added salt (sodium), added sugars and saturated fats.
• Exercise regularly. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week.
• Don't smoke. If you need help quitting, talk with your doctor about strategies to help.
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a healthy range. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help control blood pressure and cholesterol. Take medications as prescribed to manage high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can damage your heart. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
• Get regular checkups. Take your medications as prescribed and have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen.