You and Your Heart

Eat Heart-Healthy

Certain foods have nutritional superpowers when it comes to your heart. These include fruits like berries and oranges; veggies like spinach, carrots, and tomatoes; nuts and seeds; oats; and beans. Include more of these into your diet.

Watch the Salt

Your body needs sodium, but as little as 500 milligrams per day is enough. You should have no more than 1,500 per day because too much sodium — which mostly comes from salt — can lead to high blood pressure and raise your chances of having a stroke or heart disease.

Stay a Healthy Weight

Eating right, watching your calories, and getting regular exercise can go a long way toward shedding any added pounds and easing the pressure on your heart. Your doctor can help you find ways to slim down.

Quit Smoking

Once you kick the habit, your heart and the rest of your body will start to recover. You may even feel better right away.

Sleep Well

If you don’t get enough sleep, your heart doesn’t get the rest it needs and your blood pressure could stay higher than it should.

Get Moving

Regular exercise can help slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and help oxygen move through your body. As little as 30 minutes of activity a day can make a big difference.

Replace Saturated Fats

They can raise your cholesterol and can cause fatty buildup around your arteries. Too much saturated fat can also make them harder and narrower.