For decades, heart disease was perceived as a man’s illness. In reality, it’s the leading cause of death in both men and women. And it can be tougher for women to recognize the symptoms. The good news is heart disease can be preventable with heart health habits like these:

• Choose the right foods. Focus on produce and whole grains, which are naturally high in fiber and low in salt, cholesterol, and saturated fat. Avoid the trans-fats in packaged and fast foods, and aim to eat fish (like salmon and trout) twice a week.

• Stop smoking. Lighting up takes its toll — but within 20 minutes of quitting, heart rate and blood pressure drop. Within 1 year, heart disease risk is half that of a continuing smoker.

• Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderately intense activity each week. Brisk walking is a great way to move more — anytime, anyplace.

• Know your numbers. Get blood tests and other screenings regularly, and discuss results with your doctor. Women should aim for:

  • Blood pressure below 120/80
  • Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL
  • LDL or “bad” cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL
  • HDL or “good” cholesterol greater than 50 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides under 150 mg/dL
  • Blood glucose (HbA1c) less than 7%
  • Body mass index (BMI) below 25
  • Waist circumference less than 35 inches.