One of the most important organs in your body, a healthy heart helps you maintain an active lifestyle. A strong heart efficiently pumps blood to all the tissues of your body, providing each cell with the oxygen and nutrients needed to get you through the day. Several lifestyle factors -- such as your level of physical activity and level of exposure to cigarette smoke -- affect your heart’s health. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients benefits your cardiovascular system, and specific vitamins and minerals particularly affect your heart.