According to World Health Orgainzation, cardiovascular diseases take the lives of 31% of the global population every year. While some of the things that put you at a greater risk for heart disease are things you cannot change (like age, sex, and genetics), there are far more things that you can control. Here is a list of things that can put you at risk for heart disease, as well as some tips on how to change them.
1. Smoking
Smoking can be one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco damages your heart and blood vessels. Tobacco tar can cause a clog in your arteries, which leads to plaque build-up, reducing blood flow and forcing your heart to pump harder.
Smoking puts you at risk not only for heart disease but also for other types of diseases like respiratory diseases and various cancers. Even alternatives, like smokeless tobacco, low-tar, and low-nicotine cigarettes can be harmful. Even secondhand smoke can be dangerous, raising the risk of heart disease in children and strangers. If you are or were a smoker, try checking out http://www.chuyengiaykhoa.com/ for plans and programs to get your heart health checked and pave your way to a smoke-free and healthier lifestyle.
2. Stagnant lifestyle
A stagnant lifestyle is another thing that puts you at risk for heart disease. Doctors recommend regular exercise at least thrice a week for twenty minutes. Your cardiologist may recommend aerobic exercises, as it is the best type of exercises to lower the risk of heart disease. Exercises like brisk walking, jogging, and swimming are good to keep your heart healthy. In addition to aerobic exercises, strength exercises for at least two days per week is a good way to keep a healthy heart.
Even if you don’t reach the required number of hours of exercise per week, shorter sets of exercises can still be effective in curbing heart disease. Even with just five-minute or ten-minute exercises, you could successfully lower your risk of heart disease. If you do not have time for exercise, ask your heart specialist for tips on how to stay active despite your busy schedule.
3. Diet
An active lifestyle paired with a healthy diet is one of the best things that you could do for your heart. A diet with a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good ways to protect your heart. Include beans, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and fish while avoiding salt and sugars. The biggest consideration you would have to make in your diet is the sources of fat in your food. Try to avoid unsaturated and trans-fat (like red meat, fried food, and baked products) and seek out plant-based fat (like avocado, nuts and olives). Fatty fish (like salmon and tuna) may also lower your risk of heart disease.
4. Manage your weight
While weight can be affected by genetic factors, there are still a lot of decisions that you could make to make sure that your weight stays in the healthy range. If you are particularly obese, you may need to undergo a heart screening more often. However, your heart doctor can work with you to create a meal plan that prioritizes the health of your heart while considering your lifestyle and other illnesses.
5. Alcohol
While there are many studies stating that alcohol can be beneficial in moderation, these studies remain inconclusive. However, there is indisputable evidence that states that excessive drinking heightens your risk of heart disease, along with other diseases like liver and kidney complications. If you drink excessive levels of alcohol, it is a good idea to find a way to lessen your drinking.
6. Bad sleep patterns
A lack of sleep can cause a host of complications like a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and depression, and heart disease. Making sure that you have a good sleep schedule can help your heart, along with other aspects of health. Waking up naturally, without the use of alarm clocks, is one of the ways that can help you have a better sleep pattern. Before sleeping, make sure that you stay away from artificial light, including electronics and light bulbs. Try to create a good sleep environment by keeping your room dark, cool, and quiet.
7. Stress
Stress can be detrimental to health in many aspects. In the physical sense, however, it mostly manifests as a heart problem, like arrhythmia or high blood pressure. Your heart specialist may recommend you a list of activities to manage your stress, like doing relaxation techniques or mindfulness meditation. Walks in nature can also help, as well as journaling.
8. Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
High blood pressure or hypertension can put a huge pressure on your blood vessels. Although hypertension can be genetic, it can be curbed with the right diet and enough exercise. Abnormal levels of cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure, so it’s always in your best interest to make sure that your levels are monitored by a licensed physician.
There are numerous high-blood monitors available on the market that allows you to check your high blood pressure yourself. Paired with regular check-ups to at chuyen gia y khoa you could make sure that your heart stays as healthy as it could be. Make sure that in every visit, you get check-ups of your weight, high blood pressure, and glucose levels. If necessary, your physician can refer you to a cardiologist who can give you a heart screening.
The best cardiologist will not only focus on treating symptoms of heart disease but will also work with you holistically to make sure that further complications do not arise. If necessary, you could ask your general physician for recommendations, or check the list at your local cardiology center.