Fact: Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the United States. Fact: the risk of suffering from heart disease can be dramatically reduced through healthy habits, diet and exercise. It is a real eye opener to realize that many people are victims of heart disease and that most of this heart disease is preventable with proactive measures.

Step 1 in preventing heart disease is to eat a healthy diet. Eliminating trans and saturated fats is critical to maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Trans and saturated fats are responsible for increasing overall cholesterol in particular raising levels of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol. Making the switch to mono and polyunsaturated fats can actually lower overall cholesterol and raise levels of HDL, or good cholesterol. This can be done very easily by cutting out butter and solid fats and replacing them with vegetable, seed and olive oils.

Step 2 for heart disease prevention is to quit smoking and using tobacco products. This is especially true if you are a women and taking birth control pills. Smoking causes the arties to narrow which in turn puts more stress on the heart. There is good news for smokers though, as soon as a person stops smoking, the body is able to begin to recover almost immediately. While the effects of smoking for years cannot all be undone, the body has a remarkable ability to overcome the abuse that it was put through.

Step 3 incorporate physical activity into daily routines. Getting and staying physically active builds a strong and healthy heart. A strong and healthy heart can pump blood more efficiently through arteries. Less stress on the heart equals a happy and healthy heart.

Step 4 Watch your weight. While we cannot all look like a super model, being a healthy weight is necessary for the best life possible. Some weight loss tips for people who are overweight are to start exercising. Some online diet sources recommend hoodia gordonii for appetite suppression and weight loss. Weight can also be affected by sleep. Not getting enough sleep can cause stress on the heart. Some natural sleep aids can ensure a good nights rest which will help curb unhealthy cravings.

Step 5 Get regular exams. Finally staying on top of heart disease requires regular exams. Prevention is the best medicine, and staying ahead of the game is the best way to beat heart disease.