Even seemingly healthy women can have heart problems, which are often hard to detect. That's why it's essential to get the recommended tests — even if you feel fine — and protect your heart decade by decade.

Ageless Advice

No matter what decade you're in, follow these guidelines.

Quit smoking. Cigarettes increase blood pressure and plaque buildup in arteries and decrease levels of HDL, the good cholesterol.

Eat well. Cook with heart-healthy monounsaturated oils, such as olive and canola. If you eat red meat, do so infrequently and go lean. If you drink milk or eat dairy, opt for skim or low-fat. Use butter sparingly. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Pay attention to portion sizes. Think of your plate in three sections: one for protein (the size and thickness of a deck of cards), one for carbohydrates (the size of your fist), and one for vegetables, especially leafy greens.

Stay active. Aim for at least three to five 30-minute stints of heart rate–raising exercise a week, and add them to your calendar. Regular workouts keep blood vessels in good shape and pumping efficiently.

Decade-by-Decade Guide to Prevention and Tests

Whether you're 22 or 52, there's plenty you should be doing to protect your heart.

In Your 20s

In Your 30s

In Your 40s

In Your 50s