Take Action Toward Better Heart Health:

It is important to keep track of how much you exercise, your blood pressure, your weight, and your cholesterol numbers as ways to meet your heart health goals.

Here’s some ways you can do this:

• Keep a log of your activity to help you track your progress. Consider wearing a device that counts your steps to track how much you walk every day. Or use this chart to record how much physical activity you get and when you do strength exercises.
• Calculate your body mass index (BMI). BMI is an estimate of body fat. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and more. Check your BMI using this online tool.
• Track your blood pressure. It’s important to get your blood pressure checked at every doctor's office visit. While you're there, ask your doctor what your target numbers should be and how often you should check it on your own. Use this blood pressure tracker or wallet card to help you keep track of your numbers.
• Get your cholesterol checked. A blood test can show whether your cholesterol levels are healthy. Talk with your doctor about having your cholesterol tested, how often you need it tested, and what your levels should be.
• If you have diabetes, check your blood sugars. Talk with your healthcare provider about how often to check your blood sugar. Learn about the ABC’s of Diabetes to help you manage it and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Keep a record of what you eat. Write down what you eat and drink each day in a food diary to help you stay on track when trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Keep your diary in a noticeable place such as on the refrigerator, so you’ll remember to update it each day.
• Follow the DASH Eating Plan. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is a science-based way of eating that can help you reduce high blood pressure and has other heart health benefits. Find healthy recipes, calorie trackers, tips for following the eating plan, and more.

Ask your friends or family to remind you to do these or join you in the effort.

For more information and ideas, use these links:

• NHLBI Resources
  • Heart Smart Basics: What to Know to Keep Yours Healthy
  • My Heart Health Tracker
  • Self-Measured Blood Pressure
  • High Blood Pressure Information
  • My Blood Pressure Wallet Card
  • Healthy Blood Pressure for Healthy Hearts: Small Steps To Take Control
  • Healthy Blood Pressure for Healthy Hearts: Tracking Your Numbers
  • Blood Pressure GIF 
  • Questions to Ask About Your Blood Pressure
  • Cholesterol & Your Heart: What You Need to Know
  • Are You at a Healthy Weight?
  • Daily Food and Activity Diary
  • DASH Eating Plan 
  • Calculate Your Body Mass Index
• Other Resources
  • Food Diary (CDC)
  • Managing Diabetes (NIDDK)
  • Physical Activity Diary (CDC)

More Ways to Take Action Toward Better Heart Health

• Increase Physical Activity
• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
• Get Quality Sleep and Reduce Stress
• Stop Smoking
• Maintain a Healthy Weight