(WENY) -- Heart disease claims more lives in America than any other medical problem every year, therefore keeping your heart and cardiovascular system healthy is key to preventing heart disease.

Keeping your cardiovascular system in good health can prevent heart disease and help you live longer. Small adjustments in your everyday routine can and will help you prevent dangerous illnesses. 

"The other symptoms include sometimes palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness and sometimes swelling in the legs or excessive weight gain, which happens because of fluid retention, and the swelling in the legs and the excessive weight gain could be a sign of congestive heart failure also," stated Dr. Saurabh Sharma, director of Guthrie's Cardiovascular Prevention and Lipid Clinic.

Regulating cholesterol intake by eating less fat and carbohydrate-dense foods, can prevent artery blockages.  Getting your cholesterol levels checked is one of several things you can do during a routine checkup, at least once a year.

Some signs to look for when trying to determine if you have cardiovascular issues are chest pains, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, and swelling in the legs. High risk patients may be referred to a cardiologist if issues persist.

The importance of regular aerobic exercises for cardiovascular health cannot be understated, around 30 minutes of brisk walking every day has been proven to reduce risk of heart disease.