Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, causing one out of every three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. If we do the math, that breaks down to about one woman every minute. That is quite alarming!  

It is important for women to know that heart disease can happen at any age, so developing a lifestyle that minimizes your risk is absolutely necessary. Studies have shown that healthy lifestyle choices help to reduce the number of women that lose their life to heart disease.

Here are 4 tips for guarding your heart against heart disease:

Tip 1 — Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke

Nonsmokers are up to 30 percent more likely to develop heart disease from secondhand smoke exposure, according to a U.S. Surgeon General report.  If you are a cigarette smoker, it is important that you begin taking steps to break this habit. 

Tip 2 — Drink alcohol in moderation

Heavy drinking can cause an increase in your blood pressure.  Remember that for women, moderate drinking is no more than one drink per day which translates to one 4-ounce glass of wine, one cocktail, or one beer.

Tip 3 — Reduce your stress

Long-term stress is BAD for your health. It raises your heart rate and blood pressure, both of which can damage the walls of your arteries.

The use of stress management techniques to soothe your mind and body are important. Try deep breathing, yoga, massage, journaling or even get a manicure and pedicure. The point is to do something EVERDAY to destress.

Tip 4 — Make yourself a priority

Life can be challenging and hectic at times, so try to resist the urge to put your needs and your health last.

Getting physical activity for 150 minutes per week, getting a full night’s sleep and eating healthy are absolute MUSTS.

Help to reduce your risk of heart disease and even the heart disease risk of the women in your life by making these lifestyle changes.