When most people think of heart health, they think of the risks to their heart from high cholesterol or an unhealthy lifestyle. But many other things can harm your heart and increase your risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). For that matter, New Jersey-based cardiologist Dr. John Strobeck will further discuss some simple ways that you can follow to take care of your heart.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
According to a recent report, being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease and stroke by 30%. So to ensure that you always have a healthy heart, always monitor your weight and make sure that your Body Mass Index (BMI) is always normal.
Don’t Smoke Cigarettes
Cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It also increases blood pressure, damages blood vessels, and reduces HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. If you’re already a smoker, talk with your doctor about ways that you can quit smoking or at least stop adding new cigarettes to your daily routine.
Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is one highly effective way to take good care of your heart. It can help you lose weight and lower blood pressure, which are both risk factors for heart disease. Aside from that, exercise also releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress.
Eat A Healthy Diet
And finally, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, as well as other chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Avoid trans fats and limit the amount of sugar you eat.
You must also limit the amount of sodium you consume by not adding salt during cooking or at the table. Dr. John Strobeck Also, try not to add extra salt when cooking meat, as this will increase its sodium content even more than if you were just eating it plain.
