(NC)-If you have been deemed at risk by your doctor, there are steps you can take to help control risk factors.

According to Statistics Canada, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death of Canadians, accounting for over 26% of all deaths.1 Despite this, there are a variety of ways Canadians can lower their risk of heart disease and ultimately heart attacks:

Diet and Nutrition

• Get your blood cholesterol level checked by your doctor

• Lower LDL (low density lipoproteins) levels by following a low-saturated fat and low cholesterol diet

Exercise *

• Become physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes at least three times per week

• Physical exercise may lower your risk for heart disease or stroke

Lifestyle Modifications

• Limit alcohol consumption for overall lifestyle benefits

• Stop cigarette smoking, or at a minimum cut back gradually

Preventative therapies

• Consult your doctor for regular check-ups and for a prevention plan, especially if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, have had a heart attack or stroke, are overweight, smoke or have an inactive lifestyle.

1 Selected leading causes of death by sex, Canada, 1997. Statistics Canada. www.statscan.ca (November 22, 2002).

* Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program