10 Heart-Healthy Rules to Live By

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You can prevent heart attacks

Lynne Peeples

Heart disease causes over 600,000 deaths every year in the U.S., with another 27 million Americans living with it every day. Fortunately, some simple dietary and lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing your risk.

"Set small goals for yourself over time to avoid the discouragement that comes when you can’t make changes that are too large or too fast," advises Nancy Trygar Artinian, PhD, RN-BC, director of the Center for Health Research at Wayne State University’s College of Nursing in Detroit. "And then keep an eye on yourself."

Here are 10 moves you can make for a healthier heart.

Next: Choose whole grains over refined grains