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But, there’s a lot you can do to prevent heart disease. Lifestyle changes are at the top of the list. These include quitting smoking and being more active – exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

You also need to reduce the of amount of fats, salt and sugar in your diet. Meeting with your physician each year for a blood pressure check and periodic screening for high cholesterol are other necessary steps to take. If you have heart disease, you should continue to take your medications. And, if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or think you may be at risk, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider for a check-up.

“It is important for people to be active in their own health care and be informed consumers”, Dr. Mehta adds.

To learn more about heart disease prevention, visit: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/heart/Pages/index.aspx.

The Facts About Blacks and Heart Disease  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com

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