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A number of risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Smoking tobacco is one of the biggest risk factors for the disease, as are a lack of physical activity and poor nutrition.
    A healthy lifestyle is a factor that people can directly control when it comes to CVD, and the American Heart Association (AHA) has several suggestions about improving overall health and reducing the onset of the disease.
    The AHA recommends that adults focus on getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. It is also important to avoid tobacco in any form, including vaping, cigarettes, and nicotine products.
    Nutrition is another key component of cardiovascular health. The AHA suggests consuming plenty of produce, fiber-rich whole grains, poultry, and fish. For other meat, look for lean cuts and prepare them without added fats or excess sodium. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, and add foods that are rich in "good" fats, such as salmon and avocado.
    Another vital goal, nutrition-wise, is avoiding added sugars. This not only includes sugar-sweetened beverages but foods as well, as added sugar can really add up over the course of a day and lead to unwanted effects.
    It can be difficult to give up a long-ingrained habit of enjoying sugar-sweetened beverages.
    Substituting an artificially sweetened drink for one laden in sugar can be a good idea, but for those who consume four or more per day, it might not be as safe as most people believe.
    Water can not only take the place of beverages that carry health risks, it is also crucial for good health, as it helps regulate temperature, keeps joints in good shape, and helps rid the body of waste.
    Drinking water can reduce a person’s overall caloric intake as well as save money. Some people enjoy fruit-infused water, which contains some flavor without all the extra sugar.