About.com Health: How to Be Heart-Smart

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Health From Heather Loeb, your About Health Editor Chances are, heart disease has hit you close to home, whether you've struggled with it yourself or seen its effects on a loved one. I have several family members who have dealt with heart issues, so it's a topic that I'm particularly concerned about. Brush Up On the Basics American Heart Month this February is the perfect time to take a minute to think about how you're treating your ticker. Your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and even your outlook on life (hello, optimists!) can all affect the health of your heart. Assess Your Risk of Heart Disease Gather a few details about your health, and you'll have a baseline assessment of whether your heart disease risk is low, intermediate, or high. Even better, we'll tell you what to do with your result. What To Do If You're High-Risk Common Symptoms of Heart Disease See More About:  cardiac risk factors  preventing heart disease  What Is a Heart-Healthy Diet, Anyway? The definition of a "heart-healthy diet" is a hotly contested topic. Is low-fat the way to go? What about low-carb? And what's the Mediterranean diet? Good-For-You Fats Is Salt Restriction Necessary? See More About:  heart disease prevention  heart-healthy diet  How Exercise Can Make Your Heart Stronger Working out can make your heart more efficient, increase your HDL ("good") cholesterol, and lower your resting heart rate, among other benefits. Anything that gets your blood pumping can help, from swimming to cycling to walking. Health Ads Heart Disease Heart Failure Signs Heart Attack Heart Health Heart and Stroke Featured Articles Follow About.com Health on Twitter Support a Loved One With Depression What's a DEXA Scan? 2011 Immunization Schedule When To Run Your Next Marathon Acne and Sensitive Skin   More from About.com Over the Counter Cold Medications How to choose the right medication for your cold and flu symptoms. More> Should Kids Get Flu Shots? Think your child is too healthy to need a flu shot? Think again. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Free Health Tools from About.com Understand Your Test Results Count Calories, Lose Weight Check Your Symptoms Advertisement