Your heart does a lot every day to help you keep doing what you love. It’s important to take care of this vital organ to maintain your overall well-being. Luckily, it’s never too late to start taking care of your cardiovascular health.
Living a healthy lifestyle can go a long way when it comes to maintaining and improving your heart health. Below are four easy tips to help you get started today.
Tip #1: Exercise Daily
Staying fit is just one of the ways you can have a healthy heart. Benefits from exercise include stronger heart muscles and improved circulation.Daily exercise also lowers the chances of high blood pressure, which may lead to other heart problems.
It is generally recommended to get 150 minutes of exercise every week. This breaks down as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Aim for a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training in your workouts.
The following exercises are known to boost heart health:
- Running
- Cycling
- Working with hand weights
- Using resistance bands
Your heart can also benefit from short rounds of activity, such as five to ten-minute stretches.
Every movement counts. If you want to start simple, kick off your daily physical activity by walking. Try to set a goal of 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day.You can keep track of your steps and stay motivated by using a pedometer.
Tip #2: Keep Track of Your Diet and Manage Your Weight
The way you eat affects your cardiovascular health. A healthy diet can do the following:
- Lower blood sugar
- Reduce cholesterol
- Promote overall long-term health
Having a heart-healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start by planning portions with a balance of these components:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dairy
- Lean protein
Snacking on nuts rich in unsaturated fats instead of regular chips can help you start heart-healthy habits.
Start Small
You don’t have to change your eating habits completely overnight. You can start by changing how you shop for your food.Skip processed foods in boxes and bags, and instead, buy produce that is in season.
Also, compare food product labels when you go grocery shopping in order to select healthier options. In addition, cooking real food at home can promote heart health compared to eating fast food.
Keep Track of Your Weight
Eating well can help you manage your weight because excess weight can increase the risk of developing heart problems.A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher increases your risk for heart stroke and hypertension.
Tip #3. Manage Your Stress
Stress is present in everyone’s lives, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Some unhealthy lifestyle choices to cope with stress cause an increased risk for heart and liver problems. This includes excessive alcohol drinking and smoking.
Alternative ways to manage stress include meditation and other relaxation exercises such as journaling and yoga.You can also cope with stress and improve your heart health by getting the right amount of sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
Tip #4. Get Regular Health Screenings
Without testing for various heart conditions, you won’t know whether or not you are at risk for them or have already developed one. The success of your heart health will improve with regular screenings.
Your healthcare provider can conduct the following tests for you:
- Type 2 diabetes screening
- Heart blood pressure measurement
- Cholesterol tests
If you have a family history of heart problems and other risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.It is best to schedule a check-up sooner rather than later with your doctor if you have concerns about your heart. The results of your health screenings can determine whether you need to take any action in keeping your heart healthy.
Trusted Heart Doctor Near You in Palm Beach County, FL
It’s important to start living a heart-healthy lifestyle. There are many ways to reduce your risk for heart disease. However, your healthcare provider can give you a more in-depth action plan to boost your cardiovascular health. Are you looking for a trusted heart doctor in Palm Beach County?
Founded in 2015, the Advanced Heart & Vascular Institute is dedicated to giving patients top-notch cardiovascular health procedures and treatments. We provide the best quality care for the heart health of our patients in Palm Beach County and beyond. From preventive care to minimally invasive heart and vascular treatments, we do it all. We also perform imaging procedures in our Boca Raton office.
You may reach us at (561) 235-5621 for our Boca Raton cardiology clinic. For your convenience, you may also use this secure online appointment form. We look forward to serving you.
