In the realm of cardiovascular improvement and overall health there are some things we can't change but many others that we can. If there is a shining light in the dark sea of cardiovascular disease it is that there has been a 22 percent decline in deaths from coronary artery disease over the last ten years. While this number might seem miniscule it is a big improvement from the days when each year we could expect to see another 5 to10 increase. So the bottom line is that if you have the willpower to make changes, and the knowledge needed to implement the right set of steps (possibly with the help of your doctor) you have an excellent chance to achieve some degree of cardiovascular improvement.

As briefly mentioned above there are a few things we can't change. Why don't we go ahead and get these downers out of the way first.

No, not getting better with age: The old saying about getting better with age certainly doesn't apply to cardiovascular disease. As we age the heart weakens, and the arteries harden and narrow, creative a perfect storm for heart disease and accounting for the statistical conclusion that 83 percent of all people who die of coronary artery disease are 65 or older.

My maleness is making my chest hurt: This comes as no surprise since men have a greater chance of heart disease than women do, even though the playing field starts to narrow after the age of 65.

My grand dad, dad, and now me!: Its possible, due to the link between heart disease and heredity.

Now let's move on to the steps we can take on our way to cardiovascular improvement.

*Stop smoking: We have all had that relative who smokes like a chimney and in most cases the end result was either some type of cancer, lung disease, or heart disease; all conditions linked to smoking. When it comes to heart disease smoker are four times more likely to have a heart attack than non smokers.

*Cholesterol clogs arteries: Just prior to writing this article I was at the grocery store and noticed now the meat department is selling fat trimmings. I had to do a double take knowing that as blood cholesterol rises, so does the risk of heart and artery disease. As a general rule saturated fat is the biggest villain and should be limited to 10 percent of total calories consumed.

*Become more physically active: An active lifestyle is one of the keys for cardiovascular improvement but it must be done right, and within your current limitations. You should allow your doctor to help you with this one.

*My wife just loves my love handles: Well maybe your wife does but I bet your cardiologist doesn't. Studies show that people who have excess body fat - especially if a lot of it is at the waist - are much more likely to develop heart disease even if no other risk factors are present. The goal is to keep your body weight within 5 percent of a standardized healthy range.

*Control homocysteine levels: Homocysteines are dangerous hostile amino acids produced by the body when you digest protein rich foods. They are dangerous because they tear up the interior lining of the arteries providing cholesterol and other blood fats a foothold to turn themselves into plaque deposits. The answer to neutralizing homocysteine amino acids is to simply consume a diet high in vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid. Whole grains, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables, such as kale, are all good defenses against homocysteine amino acids.

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