10 Ways To Keep Your Heart Healthy

10 Ways To Keep Your Heart Healthy

1. Don't Smoke or Vape: Smoking increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Avoiding it significantly lowers heart disease risk.

2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Follow the Mediterranean or DASH diet, which emphasize healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting red meat and processed foods.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep: Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep. Poor sleep is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease.

4. Keep Your Blood Pressure in a Good Range: Regularly monitor blood pressure and follow medical advice to manage hypertension.

5. Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can be harmful to the heart. Limit intake to one drink per day for women and two for men.

6. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both underweight and overweight conditions can increase heart disease risk. Aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise.

7. Prevent Infections: Maintain good hygiene, stay updated on vaccinations, and follow food safety guidelines.

8. Reduce Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to manage stress.

9. Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

10. Visit a Healthcare Provider for Regular Screenings: Regular tests for blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight can help detect heart disease early.