The longer you live with heart disease, the more strategies you’ll discover about how to live well with the condition. Whether you’re managing an abnormal heart rhythm, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or another type of heart disease, you’ve probably come across ways to stay in control and improve your health.

This guide offers six practical tips to help you better manage your heart disease and live a healthier, more balanced life. With the right care and mindset, you can keep living with confidence.

1. Focus on Eating Heart-Healthy Foods

Taking care of your heart starts with what you eat. Making small, heart-healthy diet changes can have a big impact on lowering your risk of heart disease. You don’t have to make drastic changes overnight — just focus on making healthier choices each day. Here are a few places to start.

Eat More Fruits and Veggies

Try adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals. These nutrient-rich foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help lower your blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol levels. Aim to fill half your plate with colorful fruits and veggies. This simple dietary change can support your heart in a big way.

Choose Whole Grains

Consider swapping refined grains, like white bread, for whole grains, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta. Whole grains are full of fiber, which can help lower your bad cholesterol and regulate blood sugar, giving your heart the support it needs.

Eat Lean Protein

When it comes to protein, choose lean options. These include skinless poultry, fatty fish (such as salmon), or plant-based foods (like beans, legumes, and tofu). These are low in unhealthy fats and great for heart health.

Make Small Swaps

Remember to limit sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, full-fat dairy products, alcohol, and added sugars. These might be tasty, but they can add up to trouble for your heart. Small dietary swaps (like using olive oil instead of butter, seasoning with herbs instead of salt, and drinking water instead of sweetened drinks) can make a big difference. Over time, you’ll notice a positive difference in your health.

“I’ve had success using salt in cooking but then not having any on the table,” one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member said. “It keeps me from putting more on my food after it’s on the plate.”

2. Sneak Regular Physical Activity Into Your Routine

Regular physical activity is one of the most beneficial lifestyle habits you can adopt for your heart health. Exercise helps lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and improve HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). It also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for managing heart disease and reducing the risk of obesity.

You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. But you don’t have to always go to the gym to get more active. Sometimes, you can sneak aerobic exercises, like walking, swimming, or cycling, into your routine. Just riding your bike to the corner store, taking the stairs, dancing in the kitchen, or meeting up with friends at the pool for a leisurely swim can help you improve cardiovascular fitness.

“I had a great time dancing last night to a fantastic band,” one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member said. Another said, “I took a leisurely ride on my recumbent bicycle. Felt so good to get moving!”

Even small amounts of exercise can be good for your heart health. If you’re new to exercise or haven’t been active in a while, start with 10 to 15 minutes per day, then gradually add more time.

Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise plan. They can help you figure out what types and how much exercise is safe for you based on your health conditions.

Regular physical activity is great for your mind, too. It can help lower stress, lift your mood, and give you more energy. Exercise can also help you sleep better, so you wake up feeling more rested. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk or dancing to your favorite music, moving your body helps you relax, feel less worried, and boosts your confidence.

3. Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Health

Living with heart disease can bring up feelings of stress, anxiety, or even depression. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but it’s also important to realize that these emotions can impact your heart health. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s OK to reach out for help. Talking to a professional counselor can give you the support you need to cope with your emotions. Sometimes, medications or therapy are necessary and can significantly improve your quality of life.

You might also consider joining a support group for people with heart disease. Talking about what you’re going through and hearing from others who understand can make a big difference. It can help you feel less stressed and remind you that you’re not alone. Sharing your experiences can lift your spirits and give you a sense of connection during tough times.

One MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared, “It’s really easy to spiral into depression. I see a counselor now — friends suggested it when this all started, and it’s been so helpful.”

Be gentle with yourself, and don’t hesitate to share with your doctor how you’re feeling. When you take care of your mind, you’re also taking steps to protect your heart.

4. Quit Smoking and Vaping

Quitting smoking, vaping, or using any type of tobacco is one of the best actions you can take for your heart and overall health. It can add years to your life and help you feel better, too. While it’s not always easy, you’re stronger than you think, and you can do it.

Nicotine in tobacco is a powerful, addictive chemical, which is why quitting can be tough. If you use tobacco, your body has gotten used to this chemical. However, with time, the cravings and urges will fade, and you’ll start to feel much better. Preparing yourself for these cravings is key to quitting for good.

You can start by setting a quit date and making a plan. Some people find it helpful to gradually cut down on cigarettes, while others prefer to quit cold turkey on their quit day. You may also want to try nicotine replacements, like patches or gum, to help ease the process. If needed, talk to your doctor for extra support.

It’s normal to feel some withdrawal symptoms. These might include irritability, tiredness, or headaches at first. Remember, these feelings won’t last forever. Find healthy distractions — whether it’s going for a walk, chatting with a friend, or taking up a new hobby. Every day you stay tobacco-free, you’re making a big step toward better heart health.

“I quit smoking cold turkey last month, and just wish I did it sooner,” one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member wrote. Another said, “I quit smoking in 1989. It wasn’t easy, but I haven’t had a cigarette since!”

5. Write Down Questions for Your Doctor

It might feel like you’re seeing your doctor more often than before you were diagnosed, but these visits are important for your heart health. Regular checkups allow your doctor to monitor how your heart is doing. They also let your doctor monitor important numbers like your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. From these results, your doctor will be able to adjust your treatment plan if needed. Staying on top of these visits is one of the best ways you can take care of your heart.

To get the most out of your appointments, it’s helpful to be prepared. Before you go, take a moment to jot down any new symptoms, questions, or concerns you have. If something your doctor says doesn’t quite make sense, don’t be afraid to ask for a clearer explanation. Remember, your healthcare team is there to help you understand your heart health and guide you on how to take care of it.

It’s also helpful to keep track of your test results and take notes during visits. This way, you’ll always know where you stand and what your next steps are. If you’re finding it difficult to follow your treatment plan — whether it’s sticking to a heart-healthy diet or keeping up with your exercise routine — let your doctor know. Together, you can make adjustments to help you succeed.

Be open and honest with your doctor about how you’re feeling, especially about any medication side effects. Honest conversations will help your doctor make sure your treatment plan stays on track.

6. Know the Warning Signs of a Cardiac Emergency

It’s important to know the signs of a heart emergency so you can act quickly and get the help you need. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait — seek medical attention immediately:

• Angina (chest pain or discomfort) — This can be a symptom of a heart attack.
• Sudden numbness — This can occur anywhere in the body and may be a sign of stroke.
• Arrhythmia (irregular or fast heartbeat) — This could be a sign of a cardiac emergency.
• Cardiogenic shock (severe drop in blood pressure) — This can lead to organ damage.
• Shortness of breath — This can be a sign of heart failure or heart attack.
• Nausea — This can be a sign of a heart attack.
• Fatigue or confusion — These can be signs of heart failure or stroke.
• Slurred speech and/or trouble walking — These can be signs of stroke.
• Swelling in the legs — This can be a sign of heart failure.

If you suspect you’re having a heart emergency of any kind, don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Time is critical for your heart, and every minute counts for the best possible outcome.

By knowing these warning signs and having a plan in place, you can take quick action when it matters most. Taking care of your heart means knowing what heart disease symptoms feel like, and your life is worth that extra step.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, the social network for people with heart disease and their loved ones, more than 62,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with heart disease.

Are you living with heart disease? What strategies have helped you live well with it? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.