The top 10 facts you need to know about cardiovascular disease

• Heart disease is the top cause of death for both men and women in the United States, leading to about 800,000 deaths each year.
• A healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent problems like blocked arteries, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats. This means eating a balanced diet, staying active, and not using tobacco.
• Adults between the ages of 40 and 75 should get a risk assessment for heart disease and discuss their risk with their doctor before starting any medication.
• A heart-healthy diet focuses on eating lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean proteins, and fish, while cutting back on unhealthy fats, red meats, processed  foods, refined carbs, and sugary drinks.
• Getting regular exercise is very important; adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
• For adults with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes are key. If medication is needed, metformin is usually the first choice, followed by other options like SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• For people who use tobacco products, the best way to prevent heart disease is to stop using them. If you are struggling to do this by yourself, talk to your doctor or care providers about medications that can help you quit.
• Statins are the first choice for preventing heart disease in patients with high levels of bad cholesterol, people with diabetes aged 40 to 75, and those at high risk for heart disease.
• All adults with high blood pressure should, aim for a target of less than 130/80 mm Hg, and treatment may include lifestyle changes and  medications.
• Aspirin should not be used regularly for preventing heart disease because it does not provide enough benefit for most people. People should only start taking aspirin daily for heart disease on the advice of their doctor or care provider.