Everyone desires a strong heart. Still, more than one in three persons in the US suffer from cardiovascular disease.
The good news is that some everyday, routine behaviors can have a big impact on your capacity to lead a healthy lifestyle.
These are the ten bad habits for your heart, along with advice on how to stop doing them.
Putting Off Important Health Matters
Consult a physician so that you are aware of your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
You are more likely to develop silent killers including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes if these are elevated.
One thing to consider: Even for persons in their mid-50s who have never had a problem, the lifetime risk of acquiring hypertension, or high blood pressure, is about 90%.
Not Attending To Physical Symptoms
It's time to call your doctor if you used to be able to climb three flights of stairs without any difficulty, but all of a sudden you find yourself out of breath after just one or experiencing chest discomfort. Never presume that your lack of fitness is the cause.
According to doctors, "time is a muscle," and the sooner you receive treatment for any problems, the less probable it is that your heart muscle will sustain long-term damage.
According to Dr. Robert Ostfeld, MD, Cardiologist and Director of Preventive Cardiology at Montefiore Health System, in New York City, "there should be much ado about nothing than sitting on a heart attack for six hours."
Thinking You're Not at Risk
More people die in the United States from cardiovascular disease than from any other condition, including cancer, including stroke, heart disease, and heart failure.
Risk factors for disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and being overweight.
Stopping Or Skipping Meds
Let's face it: taking medicines is unpleasant. There can be adverse effects. Furthermore, it's simple to forget your medications, especially if you feel well.
According to Dr. Ostfeld, high blood pressure is referred to as the "silent killer" since you cannot feel it. "Saying you feel OK is not a reason to quit taking these medications,"
Dr. Judith S. Hochman, MD, Director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at New York University's Langone Medical Center explains that there are 30 different types of high blood pressure drugs, so there are alternatives if one isn't working. "We can try another drug if the first one doesn't work."
Neglecting to Control Anger and Depression
Do you feel anxious, agitated, or depressed? Your heart may suffer a cost as a result.
Although everyone experiences these feelings occasionally, how you deal with them might have an impact on your heart health.
Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, associate director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Medical Center, in New York City, asserts that laughing and social support might be beneficial: "Those predisposed to absorb stress are in higher danger; research has shown a benefit to both." "And being able to talk to someone about your difficulties is useful,"
Turning Away From The World
It's no secret that people can occasionally come off as obnoxious, irritable, and just plain hard to get along with.
But it makes sense to deepen your bonds with the people you enjoy. People tend to live longer, healthier lives when they have closer ties to their families, friends, and society as a whole.
Everyone needs alone time, but you should always try to connect with other people and stay in touch.
(Too Much) Alcohol Consumption
Yes, research indicates that a moderate amount of alcohol may be good for your heart. Sadly, a lot of people overindulge.
A higher risk of high blood pressure, high blood fat levels, and heart failure is associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, consuming too many calories might cause weight gain, which is dangerous for heart health.
If you choose to consume alcohol, limit your intake to no more than two drinks for men and one for women every day. (One drink equals a 4-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce beer.)
Overeating
In the US, 64% of women and 72% of men are overweight or obese, which is a substantial risk factor for heart disease. Consuming less calories, avoiding large quantities, and substituting water for sugary beverages is an excellent method of preventing weight gain
Avoiding Fruits And Vegetables
The most heart-healthy diet, according to Dr. Ostfeld, is one that is plant-based. This entails consuming a lot of fresh produce, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein while limiting your intake of junk food.
According to the official dietary recommendations for 2020–2025, half of each meal should be made up of fruits and vegetables.
According to studies, persons who consume more than five servings of fruits and vegetables each day reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke by roughly 20% compared to those who consume less than three servings daily.
Putting Up With Snoring
Obstructive sleep apnea is a more serious condition that can be indicated by snoring. This disease, characterized by breathing pauses during sleeping, might elevate blood pressure.
Sleep apnea, which increases the risk of heart disease, affects more than 18 million adult Americans. Obese or overweight persons are more likely to develop sleep apnea, but it can also affect thin people.
The foundation of general good health is a healthy heart. Any age can avoid heart disease and reduce the chance of having a heart attack or stroke by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
You may start caring for your heart, regardless of your age. It is true that the sooner you start making healthy heart decisions, the longer you will benefit from them.
At Dependable Care Staffing, we heartily care for you. Let’s connect!
Disclaimer:
The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you're seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
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