Heart disease is the leading preventable cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Although it can occur at any age, women tend to get coronary artery disease an average of 10 years later than men. The risk for women increases as they approach menopause and continues to rise as they age. Your risk for heart disease also increases if either of your parents or siblings has it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that healthy behaviors can lower your heart disease and prevent serious chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and some kinds of cancer. Here are seven CDC recommended strategies to live a heart-healthy lifestyle:

• Know your risks and talk to your family and doctor about your health history.
• Make healthy food choices and eat less salt, saturated fat and added sugar.
• Exercise at least 150 minutes every week.
• Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
• Take your medicines as directed and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
• Drink more water and less sugary drinks. Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Monitor your blood pressure at home.

The Heart Foundation also recommends having a heart-healthy eating pattern to protect your heart and prevent you from developing heart disease. To follow a heart-healthy eating pattern, you should eat the following:

• Vegetables, fruits and wholegrains.
• Protein-rich foods, including fish and seafood, legumes (such as beans, lentils and chickpeas), nuts and seeds, eggs and chicken, unflavored milk, yogurt and cheese.
• Healthy fats and oils (such as olive, canola, sunflower, peanut and soybean oil), foods that contain heart-healthy fats (such as avocados, olives, unsalted nuts and seeds).
• Herbs and spices for flavor.

Carmichael’s Retail and Compounding Pharmacies provide products and services that can help you maintain your physical health and reduce your risk of heart disease. We are a one-stop shop for walk-in sales of prescription medications and complementary products, vitamins, supplements, nutritionals and more.