A doctor shared tips to improve heart health during American Heart Month, especially since it is a leading risk factor for COVID-19.

According to the American Heart Association, patients with health conditions like cardiovascular disease are six times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than patients without any chronic health problems.

Cardiologist Dr. Maya Barghash, of Mount Sinai, says to prevent heart disease, it's important to eat well, exercise and focus on your mental health.

"Diet and exercise are huge. I think if you're able to do some kind of physical activity for half an hour, five times a day, where you get yourself moving and your heart rate up, that it significantly lowers your risk your lifetime risk of developing heart disease," she says.

The American Heart Association says 80% of heart disease cases are preventable.