Loading

Top 7 Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Your health depends on how you take care of your body organs. The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and supplying oxygen and nutrients to the cells. So keeping your heart healthy is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being.

However, the heart diseases among people of different ages and classes are increasing at an alarming rate. That is why it is high time we became careful of protecting ourselves from severe health consequences. In this article, we will highlight some of the effective ways to keep your heart healthy. 

Why is Heart Health so Important?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the third leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. Every year, about 17.8 million people die from this disease, a research study concluded. Luckily, there are plenty of effective measures that you can take to reduce the risk of developing any type of heart disease.

The first step is to understand your risk factors. Some risk factors, like age and family history, are out of your control. But there are other risk factors that you can change, like smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Once you know your risk factors, you can take necessary steps for the wellbeing of your heart. 

 

How to Keep Your Heart Healthy 

There are many things you can do to keep your heart healthy. Here are 7 of the most important ways of ensuring a healthy heart:

Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the primary causes of heart disease. It’s estimated that smoking cigarettes causes about one-third of all heart disease deaths. The habit makes your blood pressure and heart rate go up. It also narrows and hardens your arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.

If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your heart is to quit. Quitting smoking lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, and many other health problems.

 

Be Physically Active

The heart is a muscle and, like all muscles, it needs to be worked out to stay healthy. That’s why being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.

There are many different ways to do regular exercise, and the best way is the way that you enjoy the most. Whether it’s taking a brisk walk in your neighborhood, going for a run, playing a sport, doing aerobic exercise or working out at the gym. Find a physical activity that you can do on a regular basis and stick with it.

 

Get Enough Sleep

Most people know that they should be getting enough sleep, but many don’t realize the importance of sleep for heart health. No matter your age or other health practices, not getting enough sleep might increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. 

So ensure having at least 7-8 hours of sleep to keep your heart healthy.

 

Control Your Cholesterol Level

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, but too much of it can lead to heart disease.

It’s important to get your cholesterol checked by a doctor. You can get a cholesterol test as part of a routine lab test. Moreover, you can manage your cholesterol level by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoke. If these lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you may need medication.

Managing your cholesterol is important for maintaining a healthy heart. A high cholesterol level leads to a variety of heart related issues such as: arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, atherosclerosis and many more. 

 

Manage Blood Pressure 

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. If you have blood pressure at an increasing level, it means that your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood through your body.  

This extra work can damage your heart and lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Hence, you should take necessary steps to lower it and protect your heart health.

Ensure having your blood pressure checked regularly by a medical practitioner to keep abreast of your current health.

 

Avoid Alcohol Consumption

It’s no secret that alcohol is a major risk factor for your heart getting infected with diseases. But did you know that it can also have a negative impact on your heart? Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of heart problems, including cardiomyopathy (a weakening of the heart muscle), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and stroke. 

So if you’re looking to keep your heart healthy, it’s best to avoid alcohol consumption altogether. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to give up alcohol completely. Just be sure to drink in moderation and always consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.

 

Follow A Balanced Diet

A heart-healthy diet is one of the reasons for good health. Being overweight or obese can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Being in healthy weight requires making healthy choices every day, including eating a healthy diet. So making small changes in your diet and lifestyle can help you ensure your heart’s ideal condition. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

Consume a Limited Amount of Salt

People who have a habit of consuming excessive salt regularly are likely to have higher blood pressure. As a result, they often suffer from various types of heart diseases. So it is essential to reduce the amount of salt in your food. 

Reduce Sugar Intake

Sugar is a key factor for heart disease and also has a big impact on increasing your weight. Having a massive amount of sugar leads to diabetes, blood vessel related diseases and many more. So it is needless to say how important it is to ensure limiting the amount of sugar intake. 

Eat More Plant-based Foods

We all know how beneficial plant-based foods are for our heart health. Plant foods, like fruits and vegetables are full of numerous necessary nutrients and minerals and are low in calories. 

In addition, vegetables are also rich in fiber, which can help control your bowel motions and potentially lower your blood sugar. Since, all fruits and vegetables are regarded to be heart-healthy, you should build the habit of eating plant-based foods regularly. 

 

Shopping Basket
Show Buttons
Hide Buttons