Keeping Your Heart Healthy
Your heart is one of the most important organs in the body and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often lead to a prolonged life.
Those who fail to implement the necessary lifestyle changes for keeping a healthy heart are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with a heart condition.
Dr. Himachal Veligandla, a cardiologist with 35 years of experience from Florence, Kentucky, emphasises that keeping the heart healthy is one of the most important life decisions you’ll ever make. This is due to many studies showing that heart disease is the leading cause of death in a number of countries, including the United States.
Taking the necessary steps to keep your heart healthy is essential to your overall quality of life.
Manage Your Weight
Studies have linked obesity or being overweight to various cardiovascular diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight can, therefore, help keep your heart healthy.
You can start by calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index) and understanding your ideal weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that a BMI below 18.5 means that you are underweight. Individuals with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 are considered to be overweight, while individuals with a BMI of 30 and above are considered obese. Dr. Himachal Veligandla encourages his patients to aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 25.
Eat Healthy
Having a healthy diet can have a profound effect on your heart’s health. It is important to aim to increase your intake of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing foods with high sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. Following well-balanced diets such as the DASH diet can help you not only manage your weight but can also reduce your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Stay Active
Exercise is one the best measures you can take to keep your heart healthy. This is because regular exercise strengthens your heart and improves circulation. It is important to note that being active does not necessarily mean spending hours a day at the gym. Just a simple 30 minute daily cardio session will help keep your heart healthy.
Avoid Smoking
There are many health risks that are associated with smoking and heart complications is one of the bigger ones. If you are a smoker, reducing and then eventually stopping your smoking habits will have a profound positive effect on the health of your heart. If you’re not a cigarette smoker but find yourself exposed to second-hand smoking, you are still putting your heart at risk. Be sure to avoid these environments that put your health and wellbeing in danger.
Manage Your Stress
Exposure to long-term stress can increase your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and triglycerides. These conditions are all risk factors that are associated with heart disease. Managing your stress can, therefore, help the health of your heart.
You can manage your stress by having a strong support system from family and friends, or consulting with a professional therapist if you experience prolonged stress. Exercising regularly can also help to relieve stress as this helps you release endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in your body.
Considering the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, looking after your heart should not be an afterthought. Follow the above steps discussed by Dr. Himachal Veligandla to ensure that you have not only a healthy heart, but an overall healthier lifestyle.
