Having a good support system of family and friends not only boosts your immunity and helps you manage life challenges more effectively, but it also may help slow the progression of heart disease, a new study reports. Make spending time with people you care about a priority to protect your ticker.

Protecting your heart requires a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction. If you have heart disease, follow your healthcare provider's advice about diet, exercise, and medication. People with heart disease are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke, so make sure you know the signs of these life-threatening events as well so you can summon emergency help immediately if you or someone you love exhibits the signs. Signs and symptoms of heart attack include chest discomfort that feels like squeezing, fullness, or pain; pain or discomfort in other parts of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; difficulty breathing; and sometimes cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness. In women, additional signs include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance, shortness of breath, indigestion, and anxiety.