The number of Americans suffering from heart and blood vessel disease, known as cardiovascular disease (CVD), has grown steadily and has gone from the fourth to the first leading cause of death in the US. The best approach to this increasing problem is PREVENTION.

Factors that may increase your risk of CVD, stroke and/or heart attack include:

• Smoking
  
• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Inactive lifestyle
  
• High stress levels
  

To prevent CVD look to your lifestyle. It is not easy to make significant changes overnight. You need to obtain information, consult with your physician, set reasonable goals and time lines and seek the support of friends and family.

• Stop smoking
  
• Know what your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels are
  
• Cut down on fats in your diet
  
• Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grain products
  
• Exercise regularly
  
• Cut down on stress