5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Heart
February is American Heart Month, a time when people can focus on their heart health. Experts from a highly reputable organization’s Heart and Vascular Program are working to educate individuals about ways to enhance their heart health.
Why Heart Health Matters
Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, affecting both men and women. In the United States alone, cardiovascular disease claims a life every 36 seconds, with about 659,000 people dying each year from heart disease. That’s a staggering statistic, as it accounts for 1 in every 4 deaths.
Heart experts stress the importance of individuals being active participants in their own health and well-being.
To help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote heart health, experts from the Heart and Vascular Program have outlined the top five things individuals can do right now:
1. Exercise Daily
Experts recommend engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, involving activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, or using a treadmill. Investing time in these exercises can have a significant impact on future heart health, and it’s a way to enjoy a fulfulling retirement.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease and other serious conditions like diabetes. Setting realistic weight goals and implementing gradual, incremental lifestyle changes significantly increase the chances of success and positively impact overall health.
3. Understand Your Risk With a Coronary CT-Scan
Calculating your cardiovascular disease risk and considering a coronary CT-scan if you are over 40 can help detect “silent” heart disease before symptoms develop. This early detection offers valuable insight into your coronary artery calcium score, helping identify potential heart health issues.
4. Monitor Your Numbers
Annual checkups that include measuring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose are crucial. Maintaining optimal blood pressure values (less than 120/80 mm Hg) contributes to better long-term health. Limiting levels of non-HDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol, is crucial in the prevention of heart disease. Additionally, managing blood sugar levels is vital to ward off potential complications.
5. Say No to Smoking
Smoking and use of inhaled nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and vaping, are the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States. Inhaled nicotine-related products account for about one-third of all heart disease deaths. Furthermore, exposure to secondhand smoke or vaping affects a significant number of children. Quitting smoking and avoiding these products is a crucial step toward a healthy heart.
Experts from the organization remind everyone that maintaining a healthy heart requires active participation and dedication.
For a comprehensive heart health assessment, you can take the Healthy Heart quiz here.
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