7 Common Habits That Are Damaging Your Heart

Avoiding Exercise

One of the best things you should do to maintain heart health? Exercise. "Being inactive contributes to high blood cholesterol levels and obesity. People who exercise regularly have better heart health, including lower blood pressure," says the Mayo Clinic. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion suggests at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise weekly to help manage cholesterol and blood pressure—two key risk factors for heart attack per the CDC—and keep obesity at bay.