how can cardiovascular disease be prevented?

excercise, diet, and Lipitor

To prevent cardiovascular disease, some things to avoid are smoking and being overweight; some things that promote a healthy cardiovascular system are a healthy diet and exercise. Smoking should be avoided because the nicotine in them makes the blood vessels constrict and the heart to pump harder. This causes the blood pressure to rise. It also deterioates the lining of the vessels, allowing the build-up of plaque and the formation of atherosclerosis.Being 20% over the recommended weight limit for your height can lead to hypertension. The extra weight causes the heart to work harder to get blood to all of the areas that need it.A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol is a good preventitve step. The saturated fat contains the "bad" kind of cholesterol which can, if eaten too often, can cause the build-up of plaque on the arterial wall, restricting blood flow.Exercise is a wonderful way to prevent cardiovascular disease. One study of middle-aged men who exercised an hour of 48 minutes or more a day had one-half less heart attacks than the other men who exercised for less time. One last thing that helps to prevent cardiovascular disease is reducing stress. Meditation, yoga, or some activity similar to that has shown to relieve stress.

To a point. Lifestyle and GENETICS plays a role. High fiber foods and foods low in fat and high in protein are a good way to prevent cardiovascular disease in conjunction with around 30 min a day of cardio exercise such as, but not limited to: swimming, jogging, walking, dance, etc. But this will only help prevent it. Genetics plays a aprt in your heart health. Someone might have to work harder at lowering their cholesterol than their neighbohr.