Your Heart Risk Action Plan

Woman crushing a pack of cigarettes.

To reduce your risk of a future heart attack, make lifestyle changes and get treatment for these risk factors:

Smoking

Take cholesterol medicines as directed.
Choose heart healthy foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Depending on your case, your healthcare provider may recommend that you include moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 40 minutes each day for at least 3 to 4 days per week.
If you are overweight or obese, your healthcare provider will work with you to lose weight and lower your body mass index (BMI) to a normal or near-normal level.
Quit smoking.

Take blood pressure medicines as directed.
Reduce your sodium intake to 2,400 milligrams (mg) per day, or less as directed.
Depending on your case, your healthcare provider may recommend that you include moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 40 minutes each day for at least 3 to 4 days per week.
If you are overweight or obese, your healthcare provider will work with you to lose weight and lower your body mass index (BMI) to a normal or near-normal level.
Quit smoking.

Your healthcare provider will give you information on dietary changes that you may need to make, based on your case. Your provider may recommend that you see a registered dietitian for help with diet changes.
Depending on your case, your healthcare provider may recommend that you include moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 40 minutes each day for at least 3 to 4 days per week.
Use a log to track your eating and activity habits.

Take diabetes medicines or insulin as instructed.
Test blood sugar as directed.
Depending on your case, your healthcare provider may recommend that you include moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 40 minutes each day for at least 3 to 4 days per week.
If you are overweight or obese, your healthcare provider will work with you to lose weight and lower your body mass index (BMI) to a normal or near-normal level.
Take a diabetes education class.

Stay in touch with family and friends.
Consider starting counseling or joining a support group.
Depending on your case, your healthcare provider may recommend that you include moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 40 minutes each day for at least 3 to 4 days per week.

Work with a healthcare provider to create an exercise program.
Join a cardiac rehab program.
Depending on your case, your healthcare provider may recommend that you include moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 40 minutes each day for at least 3 to 4 days per week.

Encourage family members and friends to make changes with you. This supports you and benefits them, as well.
Don’t try too much too soon. Get comfortable with one change before tackling another.
If you’re discouraged, focus on how good you’ll feel once you’ve made a change.
Reward yourself when you’ve successfully made a change. Treat yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant or buy that new book or pair of shoes you wanted.