HABITS TO PICK UP TO MAINTAIN A GOOD HEART HEALTH

 Heart health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, as the heart is responsible for pumping blood and oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body. A healthy heart can prevent many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. However, many factors can affect the heart's function and increase the risk of heart problems, such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, and lack of physical activity. Therefore, it is important to adopt some healthy habits that can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. Here are some habits to pick up to maintain a good heart health:

●      Quit smoking = Smoking is one of the major causes of heart disease, as it damages the lining of the arteries and increases the buildup of plaque, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Quitting smoking can lower your blood pressure, improve your blood circulation, and reduce your risk of heart disease by 50% within one year.

●      Exercise regularly = Physical activity can strengthen your heart muscle, lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels, and help you maintain a healthy weight. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. You can start with a 10-minute walk every day and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your exercise. You can also try different types of exercise, such as dancing, swimming, cycling, or lifting weights.

●      Eat a balanced diet = A healthy diet can provide your heart with the nutrients it needs to function properly and prevent inflammation, which can damage the arteries. A balanced diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. You should limit your intake of processed foods, red meat, salt, sugar, and trans fats. You can also add some foods that are especially good for your heart, such as fish, oats, berries, dark chocolate, and green tea.

●      Manage your stress = Stress can affect your heart health by raising your blood pressure, increasing your heart rate, and triggering unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or overeating. Therefore, it is important to find healthy ways to cope with stress and relax your mind and body. Some examples are breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, hobbies, laughter, music, or spending time with loved ones.

●      Get enough sleep = Sleep is essential for your heart health, as it allows your heart to rest and repair itself. Lack of sleep can increase your blood pressure, inflammation, and cortisol levels, which can harm your heart. The National Sleep Foundation recommends getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night. To improve your sleep quality, you should avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and screens before bedtime; stick to a regular sleep schedule; create a comfortable and dark sleeping environment; and avoid napping during the day.

●      Check your numbers = Knowing your numbers can help you monitor your heart health and identify any potential problems early. You should check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and body mass index (BMI) regularly. You can use a home device or visit a health care provider to measure these numbers. If any of them are out of the normal range, you should consult with your doctor and follow their advice on how to lower them.

●      Take care of your teeth = Your oral health can affect your heart health in surprising ways. Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease (periodontitis), which can lead to inflammation and infection in the bloodstream. This can increase the risk of heart disease by damaging the arteries or causing blood clots. Therefore, you should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash, visit your dentist regularly, and avoid tobacco products.

By following these habits consistently over time you will be able to maintain a good heart health and enjoy a longer and happier life. Remember that small changes can make a big difference for your heart. Start today and take charge of your heart health!