What can I do to prevent heart and blood vessel problems?

• Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure as close to normal as you can.
  
  
• Keep blood cholesterol and other blood fats as close to normal as you can.
  
  
• Take your diabetes medicines at the same times each day.
  
  
• Take your heart pills and blood pressure pills as your doctor tells you.
  
  
• Ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin each day to help protect your heart.
  
  
• Follow the healthy eating plan you work out with your doctor or dietitian.
  
  
  Follow a healthy eating plan.
  
  
• Don't smoke.
  
  
• Tell your doctor right away if you think you have any signs of heart or blood vessel problems. Symptoms of heart and blood vessel problems can be shortness of breath; dizziness; pain in the chest, arms, shoulder, or back; sudden loss of sight; trouble talking; or numbness or weakness in one arm or one leg. You also may feel very tired and have swollen ankles or feet. See What are the warning signs of a stroke?
  
  
  
  Choose an activity you like and stay active.
  
  
• Be active a total of 30 minutes most days. Use stairs; park farther from the shopping center. Walk, swim, do housework, or garden. Check with your doctor to know what activities are best for you.
  
  
• Get to a healthy weight.