Simple keys to a happy, healthy heart

With research showing that cardiovascular concerns strike more women than men, we want to take steps to stay healthy. The good news: It doesn’t take a lifestyle overhaul to safeguard heart health. In fact, 90% of heart disease is preventable with a few simple changes. Medical experts suggest… Walking with music!

Powering your walk with an upbeat tune can slash your risk of heart disease by 50%, researchers from Portugal suggest. Folks who upped their pace from 2 mph to 3 mph improved their heart health by speeding the rate of their blood flow. Adds cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, M.D., director of Women’s Heart Health at the Lenox Hill Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, “Exercise is by far the best medication.”

Chatting with pals!

Folks who socialize often are 50% less likely to have heart disease. “Social support has been shown to be extremely helpful for the heart— spending time with friends, talking to them on the phone, even just smiling at others. It makes a difference,” says Dr. Steinbaum. “These things are important parts of stress reduction, which is a major factor to ward off heart disease.”

Saying cheers!

Women who drink one beer, glass of wine or cocktail a day are 29% less likely to develop heart disease than teetotalers, according to Harvard scientists. Why? Antioxidants in alcohol keep blood vessels flexible while anti-inflammatory compounds in the sips raise “good” HDL cholesterol.

Upping your D-3

Nearly 75% of Americans are low in vitamin D, and shortfalls are linked to high blood pressure and heart disease, says Dr. Steinbaum. Fortunately, 2,000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily can reverse deficiency. Note: Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements.