Embracing a healthy lifestyle at any age can prevent heart disease and lower your risk for a heart attack or stroke. You are never too old to too young to begin taking care of your heart.Your heart health is central to overall good health.But swapping good habits for bad to promote good health can make a difference, even if you’ve already suffered a heart attack
Choosing healthier foods and exercising are two of the best ways to contribute to good heart health. There are a number of additional things you can do to lower your risk for heart disease. Things that put you at higher risk for heart disease include
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity/being overweight
- High cholesterol levels
- Family history of heart disease (especially a parent or sibling)
Path to improved health
You are in direct control over many things that can influence your heart health. It’s up to you to choose how seriously you take this responsibility. Some people find it easy to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Others will do so only after being diagnosed with a symptom of heart disease, like high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Whatever your inspiration, know that the benefits of a healthy heart are worth the effort. In fact, your entire body will be better for it. Good overall health can also protect you from type 2 diabetes, asthma, joint pain, and a number of other chronic diseases and conditions. It can even reduce your risk for cancer. Additionally, a healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise has been proven to boost your mood. You’ll have more energy and less stress
Make healthy food choices
Balance is the key to eating healthy for the long haul. Your diet should consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins. If you eat this way most of the time, you’ll be able to indulge occasionally
Allowing yourself to eat something you crave from time to time is important. So do not feel guilty about treating yourself as a reward for eating healthy. Just make sure that you aren’t treating yourself too often
Watch your weight
Being obese or overweight is not healthy. The more weight you gain, the higher your body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels. Being obese also puts you at risk for breathing problems, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and even cancer.
Making healthy food choices in combination with an exercise program is the best way to lose weight. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a big difference in your health. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can reduce your risk for having a heart attack or stroke.
Be active
Aerobic exercise has a direct effect on your heart. Your heart is a muscle and exercise strengthens it. A strong heart can more efficiently pump blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to other parts of your body. Exercise can lower your risk for developing plaque in your arteries. Plaque is a waxy substance that can clog arteries and reduce blood flow to your heart. If plaque builds up too much, it can even block the artery. This is what causes a heart attack.
You don’t have to be a member of a gym or buy fancy equipment to exercise. The key is just to get up and move. Go for a walk
Things to consider
Heart disease is consistently a leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease often leads to heart attack or stroke.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor If You have shortness of breath, palpitations or dizziness. A cardiologist can determine if a heart condition is the cause. These symptoms may be a sign of abnormal heart rhythm or coronary artery disease.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How does my family history affect my heart health?
- Is my blood pressure reading normal?
- What is my cholesterol level and how does this affect my heart?
- Am I experiencing a heart symptom due to my age, gender, or weight?
- Are my symptoms indicating a heart attack?