You want what’s best for your heart. And it’s simpler than you might think. These 10 lifestyle changes can help prevent a heart attack and heart disease.

1. Pay attention to chest pain. Mild chest pain or discomfort in the chest, rather than sudden, crushing pain, is the most common symptom of a heart attack. The pain may feel like a heavy weight on your chest, a squeezing or tightness around the chest, or indigestion/heartburn. Moderate to severe pain or discomfort in the chest usually occurs on the left side or in the center of the chest, with the pain persisting for several minutes; the pain may also recede and then return. During a heart attack, you may feel pain, pressure, a squeezing sensation or a feeling of fullness in your chest.                                                                                                Chest pains may spread to other parts of the body, including the neck, shoulders, back, jaw, teeth, and abdomen.
2. 
   React quickly to symptoms. Most heart attacks build up slowly, rather than suddenly strike the victim; many people do not realize they are experiencing a major medical emergency. If you or somebody you know experiences one or more of the common signs of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately. Speed is critical. Around 60% of deaths from a heart attack occur within the first hour. On the other hand, those that reach a hospital within the first hour and a half have a higher chance of survival than those who arrive later.             Many people mistake the signs of a heart attack for other ailments, including heartburn, the flu, anxiety, and more. It is important that you don’t ignore or downplay symptoms that may point to a heart attack, but seek help immediately. Symptoms can be quite different from person to person, may appear in mild or severe forms, and may appear and recede and reappear over several hours. Some people can suffer a heart attack after showing only mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all
3. Eat for your future. Add plenty of fruits and veggies, grains, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like fresh tuna or herring to your diet. Eat less salt, saturated fats, sweets, and red meats. Avoid trans fats. Avoid food with “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” ingredients. Variety in your diet is a good way to get all the nutrients you need.
2. Take it easy. Find a relaxation method that works for you. Yoga, meditation, dedicated time to unwind after work -- these can help keep your stress levels down. Stressful emotions such as anger and hostility may also lead to heart attack risk, so keep calm and be cool. 
3. Ban smoking. If you never started smoking, kudos! If you already quit, excellent. If you still smoke, stop. Talk to your doctor to find out what method will work best for you.  Even people who smoke fewer than five cigarettes a day can have early signs of heart disease. Start now. In just 1 year you can reduce your risk of a heart attack. 
4. Keep tabs on your blood pressure. If it’s too high, your risk of a heart attack and heart disease goes up. Stress management, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help you manage your blood pressure. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to lower your levels. 
5. Mind your blood sugar. Too much sugar in your blood can damage your arteries, even if you don’t have diabetes. Work with your doctor to control your levels.  That may lower your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Remember, you can’t tell if you have diabetes (or high blood pressure, or high cholesterol) based on how you feel.
6. Be smart about cholesterol. When blood flows through your heart, it can drop traces of cholesterol, fat, and calcium, creating a buildup of plaque in your arteries. Too much of it makes a heart attack more likely. If you don’t know your cholesterol levels, ask your doctor for a blood test.

Keep in mind, there are two kinds of cholesterol. One is bad for your heart (LDL), and the other can protect you from heart disease (HDL). You can improve your levels with exercise and a diet low in unhealthy fats. Some people may also need to take medicine that lowers cholesterol.

7. Don’t wait to lose weight. If you have extra pounds, it can put your heart at risk. Exercise and a good diet help. Ask your doctor or a dietitian what your weight should be and how to get there.                                                                                                                                                  8. Be social. Stay in touch with your friends and family. Research shows that people with more social support are less prone to heart trouble. As you grow your network and make new friends, know that you might be good for their heart health, too.                                                9. Ask about aspirin. Talk with your doctor about taking an aspirin every day. In some people, this reduces the risk of heart attack.                                                                              10. Get a move on. Hit the treadmill or the trail. Walk around the neighborhood or go for a swim. Whatever activity best fits your needs, do it! Regular exercise can prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve your cholesterol levels.