Heart disease is a leading cause of death. You can’t change some risk factors for it, such as family history, sex assigned at birth or age. But you can take plenty of other steps to lower your risk of heart disease. Get started with these eight tips to boost your heart health:

Daily Activity
Regular, daily physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease. Physical activity helps control your weight. It also lowers the chances of getting other conditions that may put a strain on the heart. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. If you haven’t been active for a while, you may need to slowly work your way up to these goals. But in general, you should aim for at least: 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking at a brisk pace; Or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as running; Or an equal mix of moderate and vigorous activity; Plus, two or more strength training sessions a week.

Heart-Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can help protect the heart, improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. A heart-healthy eating plan includes: Vegetables and fruits; Beans or other legumes; Lean meats and fish; Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods; Whole grains; Healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado.

Manage Stress
Ongoing stress can play a role in higher blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Some people also cope with stress in ways that aren’t good for their health. For example, they may overeat, drink or smoke. You can boost your health by finding other ways to manage stress. Healthy tactics include physical activity, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, yoga and meditation.