According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, more than 75 percent of men and women aged 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors for coronary heart disease. It may be possible to lower heart disease risk by keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels down. You can do this by doing 40 minutes of aerobic exercise at moderate to vigorous intensity three to four times a week, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). For those at risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke, the AHA also recommends maintaining a low-sodium diet, reducing alcohol intake and not smoking.
