---
title: Eight Risk Factors Related to Heart Health
date: 2018-05-02T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/seven-risk-factors-related-to-heart-health"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Eight Risk Factors Related to Heart Health

Heart disease is often preventable! The American Heart Association has identified eight risk factors that people can address through lifestyle changes to help improve cardiovascular health.

> Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.

[View the interactive site ](https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8)

SOURCE: American Heart Association

![Bruce mars asian woman working out unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Bruce Mars/Unsplash

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ taking care of our hearts](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-hearts)
- [healthy habits](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/healthy-habits)
- [cardiovascular disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cardiovascular-disease)
- [cardiovascular risk](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cardiovascular-risk)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Assessing Heart Disease Risk Factors

This interactive tool allows you to estimate your risk of ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease).

![Sk je Eedh J Xo R0 unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This interactive tool allows you to estimate your risk of ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/assessing-heart-disease-risk-factors)

[ResourcesRead

## Preventing Heart Disease with a Healthy Diet

Variety, moderation, and eating plants, including whole grains, are important parts of a heart healthy diet.

![farhad-ibrahimzade-vxPtIlRwq2g-2](data:image/png;base64,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)

Variety, moderation, and eating plants, including whole grains, are important parts of a heart healthy diet.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/preventing-heart-disease-with-a-healthy-diet)

[ResourcesRead

## How a Healthy Diet Can Impact Heart Health

The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet lowers blood pressure more effectively than many medications.

![fruit-g5c2d1a94c_1920-pasja1000-pixabay](data:image/png;base64,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)

The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet lowers blood pressure more effectively than many medications.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-a-healthy-diet-can-impact-heart-health)

[ResourcesWatch

## Seven-Minute Workout to Improve Heart Health

Meg Sharpe describes and then demonstrates a safe, simple, standing 7-minute workout to improve heart health that can easily be performed at home.

![Pexels mikhail nilov older white woman yoga scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEeUlEQVRIiV1WUbLcOA4DIGXuf6qp2hPN5JkA9oPul2TcKpW7WyIIEJbJv//3NwBqr3PO0Xnn/YUiSAAA2rbNfpL90hbd/0GAIEBy91D4bEUL7Pjvxf987+93/XXzmX5fc9twUVG8uRQo/4zLX1v6rkSXEdp217Qg+9lZgr1oCqBqN0hYfedAdgUqQHRFQlsETdvPvBv4B1cC5W2MdzNAQgLKll1B32yItvglY9IdTdM3mVdzAsInqdsMgeKUaIkKDdHPWIB+Fwrd3NP6TwAABAuKAKDlcOunpBCwIBGx2kw/DEpwNeB6IUbcuPF6CcUblCX7ykoCuvUXyPZ0NazQw4YtV6s13FvPoG7dTL3zC9DVl6rOhiEE5MZfBHtO0UrNQfKq1L4M+p1+kHzSf+KJ02SpCooOu9FXAd7MT5LoFVAJ5yCXDb8rsQq96f8e/clM4vURQfCozXeBCVC387MkT0JUqi+ulwS6Eu0TtNHTup566id+YidBSQgKUp73qa0I4vr5lyJrAdVBftTTayRMoGAFePXxSh9P5sk89jRBQRzoQGXJw/UT2Zv5hxSTUPWNn+Yv2DjpKi6i2PsmjePJpj9f8fPNoPoBgYcCA7IIz83zLyW2kaLb+1c9a0EkZQiW+Pbl6pN5PF+eL/uJg4I8VdeorljmQMTN/EuKbaicH5mnd74xSu2zmyZOPPEy+MZ4EqMkDlQeuiJkEEXV6+cf8qAQb+bJ/ZTOjkwoLYiPOI7Hs9F3fMVGSZ4KqFARYgVB6kp0CEY/Ml+ZJzO5k5noEmJboonf9B2Pd8zjeWK3EG5FROieBTxaBvOTPKikv7zGmPGMznAGIHsApLZtj2c89syHwQsQ9IgbnT2ocBj2+vlJXeL4fPl5fN+dOj/IAUi1L8B4Zl6MF2ZmYiN7yrARetCnZQMqN/NQNS41PpvUeEYa8GnJEwBpNrw/BDwvpWVAQGTPQQc9rSJIuZ6hCvygxjPzjM6j81BPeVoyZ13kzOfayJ6Pp/Y0LdUanVYJj0rmxmYI+AWY0YyeB3qKk4J6GTiemQ/DdWxnGrcpATGKm2kUMyqV6ykVMHZmrGfmPNRUTyEFVEq0deYtwhrV9R4cblOgQqQXQKJVMTcBC7CY6GTO8BnoKW8rXUAHZNvXnn9Eh8M9GFEEURI5GQliyVyb3Fe76jGPeV6AfBiADJpsGd66jjGBw5gLAECIlNASyJK6iUjCtAoHY8jlhE9eBntwIc26ZqbjOoiZ0NEeqHsiMt5HmQip26gUSBjYemigKScV+zIomMaJbTs2bLp0mDIhXhIlQiyAQN70AESIgKkdjKsJHpUfAJVMV6XadZoiYapsX9Ei+/YvGrJEAN5WKEMigAulyhkXFoYlT5diil8Yq36Zncu+pS5alm9nB9xWy+DFSOFAKZ3tewuoBYstdRNk25eyYKHvJhgBuq59W5373cS8rem2zU5p8hBhjWLVKpA0bYNs//fHeDFWMrwA+O7hvrvzajuFBEwpZMuAfve7b5v3or5z3wW/L/o/bXI1EPxX04oAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

Meg Sharpe describes and then demonstrates a safe, simple, standing 7-minute workout to improve heart health that can easily be performed at home.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/seven-minute-workout-to-improve-heart-health)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)

[ResourcesRead

## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.

![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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)

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress)

[ResourcesRead

## After Acute Heart Failure, Women Experience Worse Quality of Life

Women who experience acute heart failure report worse quality of life than men, even when other health factors seem similar.

![Camellia faceless older woman in chair in dark unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Women who experience acute heart failure report worse quality of life than men, even when other health factors seem similar.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/after-acute-heart-failure-women-experience-worse-quality-of-life)

[ResourcesRead

## An Overview of Pregnancy and Infant Loss

This March of Dimes article discusses conditions that may result in the loss of a pregnancy or a newborn, health disparities in pregnancy loss, and helpful tips for coping with loss.

![A woman sits in an empty nursery hugging a teddy bear](data:image/png;base64,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)

This March of Dimes article discusses conditions that may result in the loss of a pregnancy or a newborn, health disparities in pregnancy loss, and helpful tips for coping with loss.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/an-overview-of-pregnancy-and-infant-loss)