Heart Disease Prevention: What You Need to Know

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The good news is that most cardiovascular disease is preventable through lifestyle modifications and early intervention. Prevention focuses on identifying and managing risk factors before they develop into serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes .

Effective prevention combines regular screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and sometimes medication. Understanding your personal risk and taking action early can add years to your life and improve overall health quality.

The modifiable risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Managing these significantly reduces your disease risk.

Blood pressure should be checked regularly starting at age 18. Cholesterol screening is recommended for all adults over 20. Diabetes screening begins at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors.

Statins, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and aspirin therapy may be recommended based on individual risk assessment. Work with your healthcare provider to determine what's appropriate for you.

Smoking cessation is the single most impactful change. Combined with weight management, stress reduction, quality sleep, and strong social connections, these modifications create powerful cardiovascular protection.