Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million lives are lost due to cardiovascular disease each year.

Cardiovascular diseases include heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of developing these diseases. Here are 10 proven ways to reduce your cardiovascular risk:.

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. It damages blood vessels, leads to the build-up of plaque, and increases blood pressure. The best way to reduce your cardiovascular risk is to quit smoking.

If you need help quitting, speak to your healthcare provider or join a smoking cessation program.

2. Manage High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To manage high blood pressure, you need to make lifestyle changes like reducing your salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress.

Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications to manage high blood pressure.

3. Control Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels can lead to the build-up of plaque in your arteries, which can cause blockages and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

To control cholesterol levels, you need to make lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications to help bring your cholesterol levels under control.

4. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is essential for good cardiovascular health. It helps to improve blood flow, strengthen the heart and lungs, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. To maintain a healthy weight, you need to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get regular exercise.

Speak to your healthcare provider about a healthy weight range for you and how to achieve it.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for good cardiovascular health. It should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed foods, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars.

7. Limit Alcohol Intake

Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, contribute to obesity, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

8. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and contribute to other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To manage stress, try relaxation techniques, like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Exercise is also an excellent way to reduce stress.

9. Get Enough Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.

10. Visit Your Healthcare Provider Regularly

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help identify and manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Speak to your healthcare provider about how often you should have a check-up based on your age, sex, and health status.