Health

4 Steps for a Healthier Heart

Cardiovascular disease accounts for 800,000 deaths in America every year. This makes CVD is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Many of the risk factors for CVD are preventable. You can reduce your risk by taking care of your heart and health.

Keep reading to find our four tips on how to have a healthier heart.

1. Speak to Your Doctor About Medication

If you have a chronic heart condition, you may need medication to help manage it. Have an open conversation with your doctor about what your options are.

Don’t be afraid to do your own research and reading beforehand. You must know what your medication does and how it works. It’s also crucial to know if any of your meds interact with one another.

2. Cut Out Bad Habits

Smokers have a much higher risk of heart failure than non-smokers. The arteries of a smoker tighten every time they have a cigarette. This tightening makes your heart have to work harder to do its job.

Don’t think that it’s too late to stop smoking if you’ve been a pack-a-day smoker for 25 years. After several years of not smoking, your cardiovascular risk may look similar to those who have never smoked.

If you drink alcohol more often than not, you may need to find another vice. While red wine can provide heart benefits in moderation, excessive booze can cause high blood pressure and heart failure.

3. Focus on Your Diet

Eating nutritious foods for a healthy heart doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict and restrictive diet. Choosing to eat healthfully means having more balance in your life.

The key to overhauling your diet is to keep nutritious foods in your home. Add more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and more lean protein into your diet.

Think of the rainbow as you fill your grocery cart with food. Vegetables and fruits with bright colors are chock full of the nutrients your body needs to thrive.

Don’t stock the cupboards with preservative-rich and calorie-laden snacks. When you want to treat yourself, go to the ice cream parlor or out for dinner. If these foods aren’t in your home, you won’t be able to reach for them when you’re hungry or bored.

4. Move More

Most healthy adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderative aerobic activity per week. No need to invest in running shoes and start jogging just yet. Start slowly to wean yourself into your new healthy heart habits.

Try new activities to see what brings you joy. You don’t need to slave away on the elliptical at the gym to see the heart-boosting benefits of exercise. Instead, choose exercises that make you excited to move your body.

Cycle around your neighborhood or invest in a basketball hoop for your yard. Take a yoga class at the new studio you’ve been dying to try out. If you’re really adventurous, challenge yourself with boot camp or CrossFit classes.

Small Habits for a Healthier Heart

You don’t need to completely overhaul your life to carve a path to a healthier heart. Small, simple changes every day can make a huge difference in your overall health.

Keep reading our blogs to find more articles on living a long and healthy life.