How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Did you know that most people spend more money on prescription heart medications?

It’s clear that heart disease is not something to joke about, but it is still one of the leading causes of death. This should serve as a reminder to take your heart’s health seriously and visit cardiology care in Newton, NJ, for example, if you have a heart condition that needs treatment.

Fortunately, improving your heart health is much easier than you may think. It comes down to paying attention to your habits and making a few tweaks.

Don’t know where to begin? Below are several tips on how to keep your heart healthy.

Read on.

Healthy Diet and Exercise Habits

Maintaining a healthy life is especially important when it comes to heart health. The best way to do that is to make sure that you have healthy habits when it comes to your diet and exercise.

Start by eating nutrient-rich healthy foods low in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Add lean proteins to your diet, like poultry, fish, and eggs.

Exercise regularly, ideally at least thirty minutes a day. Choose activities such as jogging, swimming, biking, or dancing.

Get plenty of rest. Your body needs at least 8 hours of sleep every night to properly function and repair itself. Following these suggestions can keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of significant health issues.

Avoid Alcohol Altogether

It is essential to keep your heart healthy; one way to do this is to avoid alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.

Moderate drinking is considered two or fewer drinks a day for men and one or fewer per day for women. If you choose to drink, make sure to drink responsibly and within the recommended limits.

If you find that you are having trouble abstaining from alcohol, seek professional help.

Stop Smoking- It’s Never Too Late

One of the most critical steps to keep your heart healthy is to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Studies have shown that quitting smoking significantly decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Quitting can be difficult, but support systems such as nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support groups can help.

Talking to your healthcare provider about medications and treatments that can help you quit smoking is another excellent way to increase your chances of success.

Understand Your Blood Pressure Numbers

Having your blood pressure checked at least once a year is recommended. The systolic and diastolic readings indicate your overall cardiovascular health.

A normal reading is 120/80 mmHg or lower. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases your heart disease and stroke risk.

To lower your blood pressure, you should make healthy lifestyle changes. Your doctor may recommend diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

It is essential to take steps to keep your heart healthy in order to avoid any complications to your health, see more about leg pain and how it affects your heart condition. Knowing your numbers and making lifestyle changes can go a long way in keeping your heart healthy.