The number one killer in America is not motor vehicle accidents, stroke or even cancer. It is heart disease. According to the Huffington Post, it is the most likely cause of death for Americans: one in six people die of the cardiovascular killer.

The American Heart Association says that 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day.

According to americanheart.org, “coronary heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to fatty build ups of plaque. It’s likely to produce angina pectoris (chest pain), heart attack or both.”

Though heart disease mostly affects older Americans, prevention starts as early as possible, and students can strengthen their heart now, which will save them for years to come.

The initial step that students should take is to find out their family history with heart disease and see how at risk they are. Chances are that if heart disease is in your family you are at a higher risk.

There are many types of heart disease, but the steps to prevention are the same.

Risk factors for heart disease are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, as well as being overweight and obese.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood institute, there are preventative steps to keeping your heart healthy.

Students should start by following a healthy diet, maintaining their weight, doing physical activity regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

Though these steps sound relatively simple, the life of a student can easily become hectic and healthy habits go out the window, so it is important to make good habits early on.

The first main factor to keeping a healthy heart is to load up on foods that are high in anti-oxidents. This usually means colorful fruits and vegetables, according to Health Magazine.

By incorporating foods like pomegranate, blueberries, tomatoes, spinach and fatty fish into students’ diets, they can help to keep blood vessels clear and healthy.

Additionally fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium help to keep blood pressure low.

Foods to eliminate: high fat and processed foods with preservatives and no redeeming health value. Fat is known to clog blood vessels and arteries, so cut it out as early as possible.

Next, one of the most important habits to establish is a good cardio workout routine.

Many students don’t see the effects of not working out until they are much older and have already developed health problems.

Even if students don’t like to or don’t have hours to spend at the gym, a short 30 minute workout will benefit the heart. Walking or running will work to lower cholesterol and keep the heart pumping strong everyday.

The last step that can be a terrible risk to the heart is smoking. This is a nasty habit that college students should quit immediately to save their health.

Though heart disease may sound like its decades away, prevention is the best way to live a long and health life.