Video: 3 steps for women to prevent heart disease By Mayo Clinic Staff Share Facebook Twitter Print details Let's ditch the myth that heart disease is a man's problem. Women need to think about it too. The good news: Once you do, you can take simple steps to lower your heart risks. Watch for expert-recommended ideas on what you can do to help your heart. Show transcript 3 steps for women to prevent heart disease Step 1: Budget 3% of your day for exercise. If you're awake for 16 hours, that's 30 minutes. It can lower your risk. Step 2: Eat more plants. Nutrients in fruits, veggies, beans, peas and whole grains protect your heart. Step 3: Mention it! Doctors may not bring up heart disease, though it's the No. 1 risk for women. Ask about your risk. Guidance from the experts at Mayo Clinic. Get more healthy action tips delivered daily when you download the Mayo Clinic App.Get more healthy action tips delivered daily when you download the Mayo Clinic App. Show references Causes and prevention of heart disease. American Heart Association. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts/causes-and-prevention-of-heart-disease. Accessed February 20, 2023. Heart disease in women. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-disease-women. Accessed Oct. 10, 2018. Bairey Merz CN, et al. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding cardiovascular disease in women: The Women's Heart Alliance. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2017; doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.05.024. Physical activity and your heart. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/physical-activity-and-your-heart. Accessed March 18, 2019. Common myths about heart disease. American Heart Association Go Red for Women. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts/common-myths-about-heart-disease. Accessed February 20, 2023. VID-20455618