Some heart disease risk factors such as age, family history of heart disease, and previous coronary heart disease cannot be changed but heart disease is often preventable. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy heart:

Eat a heart-healthy diet

Avoid processed foods and foods with high salt content. Choose a diet low in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat. Include a variety of foods from all food groups each day.

Exercise regularly

30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week burns fat and lowers cholesterol. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure or keep it low if it is normal already.

Reduce stress

Stress causes your heart rate to rise, your blood pressure to increase and your immune system to weaken. Try simple relaxation techniques such as breathing or yoga to de-stress.

Maintain a healthy body weight

Obesity increases cholesterol levels, plaque and inflammation of the arteries.

Quit smoking

Cigarettes and cigarette smoke contain more than 4,000 harmful ingredients, many of which contribute to heart disease and may cause cancer.

If you think you may have, or are at risk for heart disease, consult your primary care physician before starting an exercise program.