Aim to eat a diet that's rich in: Fruits. Vegetables. Whole grains. Low-fat dairy products. Skinless poultry and fish. Nuts and legumes. Non-tropical vegetable oils.

Eggs as part of a heart-healthy diet. Coming in at just 78 calories each, and packing about 6 grams of protein, eggs are a relatively low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. So they have a place in a well-rounded diet, says Dr. Natarajan.

The best vegetables and fruits for heart patients are bananas, avocados, oranges, grapes, tomatoes, and spinach. These fruits contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C which are good for the heart. Research shows that eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help lower blood pressure levels.

Foods to eat Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, and trout) Lean meats such as 95% lean ground beef or pork tenderloin or skinless chicken or turkey. Eggs. Nuts, seeds, and soy products (tofu) Legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and lima beans.

Being physically active is a major step toward good heart health. It's one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. They contain only small amounts of salt. Choose foods that are low in salt, such as fresh meats, poultry, fish, dry and fresh legumes, eggs, milk and yogurt. Plain rice, pasta and oatmeal are good low-sodium choices.

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. It's not as hard as you may think! Remember, it's the overall pattern of your choices that counts.