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1. Stop smoking.
2. Reduce your intake of fatty foods. A heart-healthy diet consists of 20 to 30 percent fat.
3. Reduce your intake of red meat and remove fat when you do choose to eat meat. Protein should make up between 15 to percent of your total caloric intake.
4. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates should make up 50 to 65 percent of your total caloric intake.
5. Reduce your intake of salt if you have high blood pressure.
6. Exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week. Do not begin an exercise program without consulting your doctor and keep in mind that walking is a very healthy form of exercise which most people can do without risk.
7. Reduce your intake of alcohol.
8. Spend some time each day relaxing, not in front of the television, but at a hobby that requires your concentration, or at a physical activity you enjoy.
9. Laugh more; it reduces stress.
10. Get a physical exam! Some "silent" diseases, such as high blood pressure, can affect your heart.