Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US? That beats cancers and strokes, and accounts for almost 25% of all deaths in America!
Taking care of our hearts has clearly become less of a priority, and the results have been disastrous.
Luckily, it’s not too late to turn your fate around. If you haven’t been putting your heart first, now’s the time to start and we’ve put together a heart care guide to help you out.
Check out our list of 5 things you can do to boost your heart health.
Table of Contents
1. Separate Myths From Facts
There are so many myths and facts about heart health out there and it’s vital you can separate the two. Here are some common myths to give you a headstart:
- Low-fat diet foods are always good for the heart (they’re often high in salt, which is definitely bad!)
- All fat is bad for the heart (some fats are actually good for the heart and vital to keeping it healthy)
- You would know if your cholesterol was too high
- Younger people aren’t at risk of heart disease
If you’re ever confused about what’s true and what isn’t, consult a doctor or check on a registered health website.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
When it comes to how to look after your heart, keep your saturated fats low and avoid too much salt. Add more foods like legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet, and reduce salty meats and processed foods. Avocados, peppers, and beans are all particularly good for a healthy heart.
3. Watch Your Weight
If you’re overweight, your chances of developing heart problems immediately increase. Watch your weight and keep it healthy, reducing your calories and upping your exercise if it starts to get too high. If you’re overweight, get in touch with a doctor who can help you healthily lose those extra pounds.
4. Stop Smoking
If you’re serious about looking after your heart, don’t smoke! Cigarettes can fill your arteries with sticky tar, which puts an extra strain on your heart and can even lead to heart attacks. If you want to quit, make sure you get support from friends, family, and medical professionals to kick the habit for good.
5. Increase Your Physical Activity
Exercise is vital when taking care of your heart. Make sure you get at least two and a half hours of physical activity a week, which can include anything that raises your heart rate. Easy exercises include brisk walks, household chores, and even dancing around your home!
Take Heart Care Seriously
The way you approach heart care could affect the rest of your life. If you take it seriously, you might help your heart to survive longer, letting your live a long and happy life.
For more articles on health, along with blogs about tech, lifestyle, and entertainment, be sure to check out more on our website!
