Preventing heart disease means making smart choices now that will pay off for the rest of your life. There are many things that we can do that will lower our risk of heart disease, and possibly even save our lives.
Understanding that you’re never too young, or too old to care for your heart is the first step. The second step is making your heart health a priority. Check out these 6 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease:
Control High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, effects more than 50 million people in the US. Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. You can help control your blood pressure by adopting proper eating habits and exercising. People often require prescription medications to keep their numbers in check. Many places such, as Walmart, offers free blood pressure monitoring. For those who like to stay home, I’d suggest trying the Omron BP791IT – Downloadable Automatic Blood Pressure (10 Series).
Be Active
Multiple studies have shown the physical fitness is one of the top contributing factors to a healthy heart. Individuals who do not exercise regularly are more likely to develop heart disease. A jog around the block or a stroll through the park are great starting points. Don’t forget to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program!
Control Stress and Anger
Everyone stresses and gets angry every now and then. It’s when we frequently have temper tantrums that we run into a problem. Learning to “Manage” your stress and handle your anger in healthy ways puts you back in charge. Music is my cure. Exercise does it for others. Try a peaceful way of dealing with your stress, and watch how much better you feel.
Don’t Smoke
Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of cardiovascular disease in women, with more than 50 percent of heart attacks among middle-aged women attributable to tobacco. Risk of cardiovascular disease begins to decline within months of smoking cessation and reaches the level of persons who have never smoked within 3 to 5 years.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are consistently growing in the United States, which contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The popularity of obesity has increased among both men and women throughout the United States in the past decade. Approximately one third of adult women are classified as obese, many of them doing no regularly physical activity. Obesity, especially abdominal adiposity, is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women.
Keep Your Blood Sugar Level in Check
In addition to blood pressure checks and other heart-health screenings, you should also have a fasting blood glucose test by the time you’re 45. This first test serves as a baseline for future tests, which you should have every three years. Testing may be done earlier or more often if you are overweight, diabetic or at risk for becoming diabetic.
Of course, there are many more things one can do, such as watch your diet and even increase your vitamins or herbal intake. Remember to consult your physician before using any health treatments, including herbal supplements and natural remedies. You’ve been armed, now go be healthy!