Best Practices for a Healthy Heart

A cardiologist offers seven simple steps to reduce the risk of heart attack, dementia, stroke, and other ailments. It's all too easy to neglect our cardiovascular health until it's too late. But even if you already have a cardiac diagnosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, there are things you can do to improve your odds for a long, happy life. Board-certified cardiologist Dr. Sarah Samaan has treated thousands of patients and tirelessly kept pace with the latest research-and now, she condenses her best advice into this guide for cardio care, explaining how to: •Take charge of your "numbers"-your weight, cholesterol, heart rate, and blood pressure •Make heart-smart choices about food, exercise, and stress •Work with your doctor to design the right treatment for you •Tell which supplements and alternative therapies really make a difference •Avoid vices that will harm your heart •Put these best practices into action today, and you can decrease your risk of disease and dependence on medication, experience a wealth of positive "side effects" (from a smaller waistline to a happier outlook), and get closer to optimal heart health.