PUBLISHED 01/31/2007
1. Eat Well
Improving your diet can reduce your cholesterol and blood-pressure numbers as well as your running times. Eat good fats (olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts, fish, omega-3 supplements); eat good carbs (high-fiber, nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and whole grains); eat lean protein (eggs, low-fat dairy, white-meat poultry, and fish).
2. Get Tested
The right diagnostic tests--heart imaging, electrocardiogram, advanced blood testing, stress tests-can detect heart disease at its earliest stages, when it can still be slowed or reversed.
3. Take Meds (if you need them)
Medications can make huge difference in people with a family history of heart disease. A healthy lifestyle can delay, but doesn't always stop a heart attack.
(From The South Beach Heart Program-Rodale, 2007)
