When it comes to protecting your heart, you know the basics. Don’t smoke. Keep a lid on “bad” cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar with a healthy diet and, if necessary, medications. Exercise on most days. Limit weight gain.
But you may not know about other key steps to protect the old ticker. Here are a handful.
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Want to see a snapshot of a heart-healthy eating plan?
A DASH-style diet can keep a lid on your blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and blood sugar. It’s rich in fruits and vegetables and low in bad fats, added sugars, and salt. Note: The servings—especially for vegetables and grains—are small. Also, the diet is designed for someone who eats a typical 2,000 calories a day. Scale up if you eat more.