Important risk factors for coronary artery disease are smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high bad cholesterol (LDL), low good cholesterol (HDL), high triglycerides and lack of exercise and family history of premature heart disease. Although there is marked variation in some traditional risk factors like smoking, food habits and cholesterol between various subgroups in south Asian population, there appears to be a uniform increase in features associated with insulin resistance compared with white population. This results in increase in incidence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This further leads to increase in serum insulin concentration and serum triglycerides and lower good cholesterol. Asian men also have higher waist hip ratio with same body mass index (BMI) as compared to other races. Insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension and central obesity lead to metabolic syndrome. Many of these risk factors can be modified successfully by lifestyle change. A reduction in central obesity will reduce insulin resistance and thereby lead to correction of many of metabolic abnormalities observed. Tips to keep your heart healthy are:- 1) If you are a smoker stop smoking. Smoking makes blood thick and increases fat deposition in the arteries. 2) Control your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly as heart has to work harder against high blood pressure. If your BP remains higher than 140/90, you will need life style modification as regular exercise to reduce weight, decrease salt intake, reduce coffee etc. you will need medicines if blood pressure is not controlled by above means. 3) Keep an eye on your blood sugar. If you are diabetic you need to control blood sugar by diet and exercise. You may need tablets or insulin if optimum control has not achieved by dietary modification 4) Know your cholesterol. Total cholesterol to be kept below 194 mg/dl and aim is to reduce to 155 mg/dl if you have high risk for angina. Try to reduce fat intake general, avoid saturated fat which is more in meat and diary products. Use olive oil, sunflower oil or corn oil etc which is rich in poly unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol. Oily types of fish like salmon, sardine, fresh tuna (contains omega 3 fatty acids) are recommended two portions in a week. This reduces triglycerides and prevents clotting in the blood. 5) Eat more fruit and vegetables. At least five portions of fruit and vegetables are recommended in a day. These are rich in antioxidants which prevent oxidation of cholesterol, a chemical process responsible for atheroma formation in the arteries. 6) Watch your tummy and weight. Ideal waist circumference for Asian male is up to 35 inches and for female 31 inches. Your body mass index (BMI) should not be more than 25. 7) Be physically active. 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming etc) 5 times in a week is recommended. It keeps your heart healthy, increases good cholesterol, reduces weight and keeps you fit. 8) Reduce stress. Try to keep yourself relaxed by doing meditation, yoga etc which helps to keep your heart healthy. The aim of this article is to inform people about the prevention of heart disease. Contributed by Dr.Hina Aijaz .