Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in New York City.
You may be at a higher risk for heart disease if you:
- Are a man older than 45, or a woman older than 55
- Smoke
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Have diabetes
- Are overweight
- Live a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity)
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Are exposed to high levels of air pollution, including secondhand smoke
- Have stress
Some of these risk factors are easier to change than others. You should know your risk of heart disease and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy.
Keep Your Heart Healthy
Know and Control Your Blood Pressure
Find out how you can check your blood pressure, understand your numbers and keep it healthy.
Stay Healthy with Diabetes
Adults with diabetes are two-to-three times more likely than people without diabetes to die of heart disease or have a stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause blindness, end-stage renal disease and lower extremity amputations in adults.
Learn more about diabetes and the resources that can help you stay healthy.
Quit Smoking
One year after you quit smoking, your heart disease risk reduces by half. Quitting also reduces exposure to secondhand smoke for people around you. Learn what you resources are available to help you quit by visiting NYC Quits.
Eat and Drink Healthy
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone. It can help you manage your weight, maintain good health and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Currently, two-thirds of New Yorkers eat too much salt, a major risk factor for high blood pressure. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Learn some strategies for how you can choose less sodium.
Sugary drinks, including soda, juice and sports drinks, can also increase your risk for heart disease. One way you can protect your heart and your wallet at the same time is to drink plenty of NYC tap water.
Be Active
Regular physical activity is important for heart health. The benefits of physical activity go beyond helping you keep a healthy weight. They include blood pressure control and stress relief.
Check out these resources for tips on staying in shape:
- Guide to Healthy Eating and Active Living in NYC (PDF)
- Free Shape Up NYC drop-in fitness classes
- Free or low-cost fitness activities at BeFitNYC.org
- Make NYC Your Gym (PDF)
- Hike to some of NYC’s landmarks along thousands of miles of sidewalks, walkways and green spaces.
- Biking is a fun and convenient way to get around the city.
- Avoid exercising near busy roads to limit exposure to air pollution.
Manage Stress
Everyone experiences stress from time to time. Managing stress can be a challenge, but here are some tips that can help you take care of your body and mind:
- Take a walk with a friend, or try a fitness class. Shape Up NYC offers free fitness classes, including yoga, in all five boroughs. Registration is not required.
- Eat and drink healthy foods and beverages.
- Plan activities with your partner, children or friends.
- Talk with people that care about the social issues you might be struggling with.
- Try to participate in community-based activities around your neighborhood, such as at a house of worship or local park.
- If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a partner, family member, friend or your health care provider.
Additional Resources
- The Heart Age Calculator provides an estimate of your heart age based on your risk factors. Get an estimate of your heart age and personalized tips to keep it healthy.
- Choosemyplate.gov: Healthy eating tools and tips