The symbol of the heart is often associated with the feeling of ‘love’ in our minds. Although our heart has nothing to do with emotions or feelings, it does support our life by pumping oxygen-filled blood to the entire system. Hence, caring for the heart is not an option but an obligation. If you ‘love’ your heart the right way, it will serve you for years without fail.
Sometimes, you don’t need to move mountains to enhance the health of your heart. A few simple lifestyle changes can help promote cardiovascular health and minimize the chances of attacks. Let’s dig deeper.
Keep track of your blood pressure
High blood pressure is the cause of many health hazards. It can increase the risk of heart diseases, attacks, and strokes. Hence, people with moderate to high blood pressure levels should get it checked regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If the levels are higher, you should visit your physician to get the necessary medications. So tracking your blood pressure can help you get the right treatment in time.
Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake
Tobacco not only harms your lungs but also your heart. It builds plaques in the blood vessels and increases your chances of artery blockages and heart attacks. Alcohol also affects the heart, as it increases blood pressure to abnormal levels. Hence, quitting smoking is best for both your lungs and heart, and reducing your alcohol intake will ensure enhanced cardiovascular health.
Stay active and work-out
Both the young people and the elderly should work out regularly to keep their heart in good condition. If you don’t like the idea of a strenuous gym session, you can always enroll in yoga classes to enhance your mind besides strengthening your heart. You may check out some stylish yoga wear here to get the required motivation to start. Within three weeks or so, you’ll grow a habit of it, and after a few months, you won’t be able to live without it.
Include berries in your diet
Berries, like cranberries, raspberries, and Blueberries are said to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of heart diseases. They also contain a plethora of antioxidants that help lower oxidative stress in the body. Including these berries in your diet can promote heart health to a great extent. And they are tasty too.
Cut down on saturated fats
Too much red meat, cheese, butter, and creams can degrade the condition of your heart. Replacing them with lean meats and fatless dairy products can reverse the effect. You should also include green veggies and organic food in your diet to promote cardiovascular health. It will also lower your chances of getting obese, which is deemed harmful to the heart in many ways.
Get rid of stress
It may seem easy, but it’s not. Reducing stress and anxiety in your life can lower your chances of getting a heart attack. Practice breathing exercises regularly to calm your mind and focus on the positivity around. It also detoxifies your body and removes stress. Joining yoga classes offer manifold benefits, as you get proper guidance to practice stress-relieving exercises regularly.
Go for brisk walks
Besides working out, you should also go for brisk walks, preferably in the morning to fill your lungs with the fresh morning air. Walking reduces the risk of heart diseases and attacks. Hence, it’s recommended for the elderly the most, as they can’t join a gym to work out. However, walking benefits everyone, from adults to the elderly.
Sleep adequately
If you have insomnia or other sleep disorders, you should get it treated immediately. Such issues offer adverse effects to your overall health by increasing stress, as well as your cravings for sugared foods and drinks. If you sleep peacefully and regularly, you will be able to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet without grudging it.
Drink enough water
Often salted foods or heavy meals can lead to shortness of breath for people already suffering from heart conditions. Hence, it’s recommended to drink lots of water to dissolve the excess salt and stay hydrated. Drinking water also reduces your cravings for aerated drinks and sugared juices, all of which are harmful to your heart.
According to experts, obese people have higher chances of having heart attacks and strokes in the later stages of their lives. Working out should be your first step towards ensuring heart health. Buy stylish athleisure, shoes, and outfits, to motivate you to work out regularly without fail. You can also click photos for social media to be a part of the trend. Such little things will make you fall in love with exercise and promote cardiovascular health in the process.
