Heart disease prevention: lifestyle and exercise guidance for early risk reduction

Heart disease can develop from a young age when unhealthy habits such as poor diet, physical inactivity, high stress, smoking, and excess intake of sugar, salt and saturated fat are present. Health authorities, including the UK NHS and VeryWell Health, advise that early risk can be lowered through regular physical activity—such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or other aerobic and strength exercises—and a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, fish and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, fried items, sugary drinks and salty snacks. These measures help strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, control blood pressure and cholesterol, maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress, thereby reducing the likelihood of future heart attacks.