Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, lifestyle changes focused on prevention are critical. Major risk factors such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and elevated cholesterol levels should and can be controlled.

1. Four Ways to Prevent
Heart Disease
by Deepak Srinivasan

2. • Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the
United States, lifestyle changes focused on prevention are
critical. Major risk factors such as hypertension (high
blood pressure) and elevated cholesterol levels should
and can be controlled.
1. Avoid/quit smoking. Nicotine increases blood pressure
and forces the heart to work harder. In addition,
chemicals in tobacco cause atherosclerosis (narrowing of
the arteries) and damage to the heart.
Four Ways to Prevent Heart
Disease, by Deepak Srinivasan

3. • 2. Eat healthy. Maintaining a diet that is low in saturated
fat, cholesterol, and salt can help promote a healthy heart.
Incorporating a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
fiber serves to protect the heart by keeping blood pressure
and cholesterol levels low.
3. Exercise regularly as tolerated. Doing 30 minutes of
moderate physical activity at least five days out of the
week can control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Four Ways to Prevent Heart
Disease, by Deepak Srinivasan

4. • 4. Manage stress. Hypertension and unchecked lipid
levels have been linked to uncontrolled stress.
Therefore, adopting relaxation techniques such as
meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can be
beneficial.
About the author: Dr. Deepak Srinivasan studied
medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and completed
his fellowship in interventional cardiology at the
University of Rochester. Dr. Srinivasan currently
practices in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
Four Ways to Prevent Heart
Disease, by Deepak Srinivasan