While there is much about our health that we cannot control, making lifestyle changes to manage key risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity and smoking, can help reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Fortunately, some steps we can take help control more than one risk factor at a time.

The primary ways to reduce the risk of developing heart disease are:

• Exercising, which can reduce the risk of developing heart disease by nearly 25%
• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Maintaining a heart-healthy diet
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing stress

Because changing long time habits can be challenging, Cedars-Sinai offers several programs to assist you:

• The Intervent program
• The New Leaf Personal Exercise Program