• 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.

Things that can contribute to chronically high blood sugar or throw off a test are:

• A lack of sleep
• Being overweight or obese

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

The ideal exercise for adults are :

• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, suc...

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

Extensive studies have found that exercise enhances the cardiorespiratory system, increases HDL cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, lowers inflammation, and improves blood s...

• 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.

• High blood pressure puts mechanical stress on the walls of your arteries, making them to narrow and harden. Stress can increase the development of plaque and cause your heart muscle to weaken over time.
• Your blood pressure should be no higher than 120/80. The top number (systolic) ...

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.

An A1C test indicates your average blood sugar levels over time. It measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin in your blood, which ...

• 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...

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.

Quit...

• 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 ...

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

• HDL cholesterol. Higher HDL levels are considered better for cardiovascular health.