Your heart is one impressive overachieving organ, yet despite your ticker’s superpowers, 215 people die every day from heart disease or strokes. While the numbers are high, prevention is far simpler than the figures suggest.
It turns out that a few simple lifestyle tweaks can help you live a long, healthy life. You don't need to become a super athlete or go on a very strict diet to protect your heart and lower your risk of heart disease.
When it comes to keeping your coronary health in check, you need to take a holistic approach to wellness.
Moving your body may be your first point of call. Research published in the journal Circulation found that working out for 30 minutes a day minimised the risk of heart failure by 10%. It’s essential to be active in some way every day of the week. However, don’t set yourself up for failure; find something you enjoy and start small.
Also, eat your heart to good health. We are all aware that a diet rich in omega-3s is the way to go. Eat more salmon or sardines; these stinky-good fish are full of goodness. Also, minimise added sugars, it will give you extra calories without vitamins and minerals causing you to gain weight, which will raise your risk of coronary heart disease. Also, pass the salt – no seriously – Your body counteracts sodium intake by releasing extra water into the blood, leading to increased blood volume and a seriously overworked heart.
Okay, so you're hitting the gym, eating healthy, and stubbed out the smokes... what more could you do to improve your hearth health?
Being heart smart means making smart choices now that will pay off later.
You’re never too young – or too old – to take care of your heart.
Source: heartfoundation.co.za, menshealth.com, womanshealth.gov, womanshealthmag.com, heart.org, crestline.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.