Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, accounting for one out of every three deaths.
A healthy heart is essential for healthy living, but a few bad habits can make the heart work harder than it should.
Thankfully, these bad habits can often be easily fixed and replaced with better habits to improve heart health. Read on for five easy ways to keep your heart healthy.
Know your Risk for Heart Disease
Some people may struggle more with cardiovascular health than others due to factors like age, weight, and pre-existing health conditions. Visiting a specialist can help you determine your risk for heart disease and what you can do to lower your risk.
Make an appointment at a cardiology clinic to check your blood pressure, do a physical examination, and get blood tests.
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
One of the keys to a healthy lifestyle starts with your diet, and that’s certainly the case in keeping your heart healthy too. Some foods are known to keep the heart healthy, while others increase your chances of suffering from a heart attack and other forms of heart disease.
Heart-healthy foods include:
- fruits and vegetables
- whole grains
- plant protein like soy products and beans
- oily fish
- nuts and seeds
- olive oil and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Avoid any foods containing trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol and clog arteries. Also cut down on alcohol, and limit dairy and other foods high in saturated fats.
Get Plenty of Rest
Sleep helps the entire body recover from stress, including your heart. But often, busy lifestyles can get in the way of getting enough shuteye, only increasing your risk of heart problems.
In fact, people who sleep less than seven hours each night are at an increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Try to get at least seven or eight hours of restful sleep each night to keep your body, and your heart, healthy.
Get Moving
One of the most effective heart health tips is to add activity into your daily lifestyle.
Just as rest and sleep are vital for heart health, activity and movement are too. And too much of one can have dire consequences for your heart.
Unfortunately, modern lifestyles are more sedentary than ever, with the average American spending 10 hours sitting each day. But adding just 30 minutes of walking or exercise into your schedule can help to boost your heart health.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
You may have never thought of the connection between your oral health and heart health. But bacteria in the mouth can enter into the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on your heart.
Brush at least twice a day, and don’t skip on daily flossing to keep bad bacteria at bay.
Habits to Keep your Heart Healthy
Small, daily changes can make a major impact on your heart health. If you want to keep your heart healthy, start today with these five easy tips.