Here are 5 tips for a healthy heart:

1)       Watch your waist: Did you know cholesterol deposition in blood vessels starts in the first ten years of life? So a lot of extra weight can affect your heart health. And tummy fat can be a pre-indicator of hypertension, bad cholesterol, and risk of heart disease.

2)       Stress management: Stress can adversely affect your heart health. The next time you find yourself stressed, try some stress relief techniques to calm the mind. Take time off from your hectic schedule regularly to relax.

3)       Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked: Those with high blood pressure run a higher risk of a stroke or a heart attack. Getting your cholesterol levels evaluated will help you alter your lifestyle and diet aiding your heart health.

4)       Check your family history: If a close member of your family has high blood pressure or high cholesterol, then you are likely to have a genetic predisposition for the same.

5)       Learn to recognise early signs of coronary heart disease: Pressure or discomfort in the chest, neck, shoulders, arm or stomach when you physically exert yourself can be a sign of heart disease. If you are experiencing any of that, get yourself checked. In general, equip yourself with knowledge about heart disease, as it will help you recognise it early on, and subsequently lead to earlier treatment.