Cholesterol plays a big role in heart disease. The heart association recommends getting your cholesterol levels measured every four to six years.

Smoking is the most common cause of heart disease. Smoking causes emphysema, cancer, gum disease, and harms almost every organ in your body. Tobacco smoke damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, lowers HDL cholesterol, and causes peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis.

Research has shown that even a few minutes of exercise leads to benefits.**It’s all about increasing the intensity.**

A high fasting blood sugar level can indicate Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. People with diabetes are four times more likely to die from heart disease.

Many foods can improve your cholesterol levels. They include:

• Get a pet. Dogs, in particular, have shown to lower your risk of heart disease.
• Reduce stress. Chronic stress can damage your immune system, increase your risk of high blood pressure, and eventually contribute to heart attacks and strokes.

• Lose weight. Excess weight increases the amount of work your heart has to do to pump blood throughout your body.
• Watch your alcohol intake. Try to consume no more than two drinks a day.
• Exercise. Both aerobic exercise and ...

• Excess body fat cells release many substances that increase inflammation, promote insulin resistance, and contribute to the hardening of arteries.
• Visceral fat - the type that collects deep inside your abdomen around your internal organs - is more toxic to your cardiovascular syste...

Aside from a medical issue, you can do two things to improve your blood sugar control: exercise and eating smart.

• Foods that are good for your heart: nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, avocados; fruits and vegetables; seafood, especially oily fish like wild salmon, sardines, and mackerel; fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and tempeh; healthy fats like olive oil.
• Fo...

Heart disease and strokes are the number one cause of death worldwide. However, almost 80 percent of all cases of cardiovascular disease is preventable.

Exercise is the one thing that can improve nearly every aspect of your health.