Heart diseases are the number one cause of death in the world. Of the three major cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks rank second, while strokes rank third. All three have similar contributing factors, but different end outcomes. Here are some tips on how you can prevent yourself from developing heart diseases.

Exercise – the first thing that you need to do is to see a doctor and get started with a physical activity regimen. Exercise will help prevent the development of Diabetes and will also help you shed some pounds and lower your high blood pressure. Many doctors will recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet as well. If you are obese or have high blood pressure already, then you may want to start immediately on a program to reduce these two factors.

Diet – you need to eliminate all of the junk food and saturated fats that you have been eating. The next time you are at the grocery store, see if you can purchase fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fish instead of that high cholesterol, high-sugar foods. Start exercising and lose weight – if you are overweight or obese, you should see a doctor immediately for cardiovascular disease treatment. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and less high-calorie calorie foods. Eat healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and omega 3 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil, flaxseed, nuts, seeds, and fish.

Medications – your doctor will probably prescribe one or more medications to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. One of the most popular medications prescribed for this purpose, which lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This medication is also helpful for people who smoke, as it reduces the amount of risk that they take in having a stroke or heart attack. The majority of doctors recommend that their patients start physical activity as soon as possible and that they take all of these medications.

Lifestyle – if you are overweight or obese, you should make lifestyle changes to order to lower the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. These include adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet, exercising regularly, and cutting down on your consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and sugary snacks.