While the term “heart health” may seem self-explanatory, it actually encompasses a lot. From reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke to preventing high blood pressure and diabetes, heart health is about your overall well-being. The term “heart health” is often used interchangeably with the term “cardiovascular health,” which also refers to the health of your heart and blood vessels.

Despite the name, though, your heart health has very little to do with your actual heart. Instead, it’s about your blood vessels and the blood flowing through them. High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol all pose significant risks to your cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one in every four deaths. It is also the leading cause of disability. Cardiovascular disease includes conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and smoking. The best way to reduce your risk of heart disease is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and manage any chronic conditions you have, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. You can also consider taking supplements, such as fish oil, to reduce your risk of heart disease.