The insider’s guide to healthy Hawaii: 9 heart-healthy rules to live by

Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in Hawaii, accounting for almost 4,000 deaths per year. Additionally, 18,000 hospitalizations are caused by cardiovascular disease annually. Statistics like these highlight just how important it is to take care of your heart.

The good news? “There are a number of basic tenets you can live by to keep your heart healthy,” says Rozy Dunham, MD, a cardiologist with Associated Cardiovascular Consultants, a part of Lourdes Cardiology in New Jersey. These principles, like quitting smoking and exercising regularly, have been shown time and again to help lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

The key, though, is to make these lifestyle changes for the long haul, says Dr. Dunham. “There’s no quick fix to getting heart healthy,” she says. “If you see a news story that says, ‘Drink 6 cups of coffee a day to lower your risk,’ it’s likely too good to be true.” Following these rules will take work, but it’s worth the effort. “Life is always getting in the way,” says Dunham, “but you have to find the time to take care of your heart.”