Steps to Take to Protect Your Heart

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or carry extra weight, take simple, proven steps to lower the chance of severe illness and help protect your heart.

1. Get the vaccines you need. We know from decades of research that vaccines save lives. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to lessen the chance of severe illness and related heart or other complications.

    

   The following vaccines are recommended for most adults, and especially those who have or are at high risk for heart disease:

   • Flu (influenza) vaccine – updated each year and received ideally every fall, ahead of the flu season; adults 65+ should get 1 of 3 vaccines that offer added protection
   • COVID-19 vaccine – new vaccines are updated each fall to match circulating strains
   • Pneumococcal vaccines – to protect against pneumonia and other infections
   • RSV vaccine, if eligible

    

   You may need other vaccines – for example, for shingles (a reactivation of the chickenpox virus), hepatitis B (to help prevent severe liver disease) and any others based on your age, health status, lifestyle, and job. Use this worksheet to keep a record of your vaccines and write down which vaccines you get, including when and where you received them. Keep this information with your updated medication list.

2. Keep follow-up appointments and know when to seek care. Talk with your care team about what to do if you get sick or if you have new or worsening heart symptoms – for example, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or dizziness.

    

3. Take your heart and other medications as prescribed. This will help you better control your health conditions.

    

4. Take basic preventive measures to lower your chances of getting sick:
   • Wash your hands regularly.
   • Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
   • Avoid rubbing your eyes, nose and mouth. 
   • Clean shared surfaces.
   • Avoid close contact with people you know are sick.
   • Consider wearing a mask when traveling or in crowds.

 

5. Stay home and rest when you are sick.

    

6. Focus on heart-healthy habits that can improve your heart health and keep your immune system strong.

• Eat heart-healthy foods – focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins and fats (for example, low-fat yogurt, avocado).
• Move your body more – be sure to start slowly and check in with your care team about which exercises are best for you.
• Aim for quality sleep – 7-8 hours a night is a good goal.
• Manage stress. Find ways to relax and reduce stress through meditation, deep breathing, saying “no,” and picking up hobbies you enjoy.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Both can increase your risk of heart problems.