Every year, the month of February is celebrated as American Heart Month. It is a perfect moment to take stock of our life and evaluate the factors contributing to our likelihood of developing heart disease or other illnesses associated with the cardiovascular system. Even now, coronary artery disease is still the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Every year, around 659,000 people lose their lives because of heart disease, as reported by the CDC. What would our hearts tell us to watch out for if they could communicate with us?
Heart Disease Affects People of All Ages, Not Just the Old.
The idea that young people are not affected by heart disease is a misconception, even though becoming older raises our chance of developing this ailment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that persons of any age with cardiac disease have a significantly higher probability of developing a severe illness if they become infected with COVID-19. Be cautious to safeguard your heart and health by taking appropriate preventative measures. Discuss your risk for heart disease with your physician and how you and they can work together to monitor it when you go in for your yearly checkup.
Contact Your Doctor and Set Up an Appointment for An Annual Exam.
Appointments with your doctor should be used to closely monitor your vital signs, including your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and any other significant health indicators. If you want to make changes for the future, it is necessary to know your family's medical history and any other risk factors.
Certain Meals Are Beneficial to The Heart.
You are undoubtedly aware that increasing the number of fruits and vegetables you consume is beneficial for the health of your heart. Did you know that eating salmon, almonds, and chocolate with a high cocoa content can help lower your chance of developing heart disease? A healthy diet may be created by eating a range of foods that are good for the heart and including those items in each meal. In addition to improving your cardiovascular health, adopting a diet that is good for your heart can strengthen your immune system and improve your capacity to fend against infections like the coronavirus.
When You Have High Blood Pressure, It Puts Additional Strain On Your Heart.
If plaque builds up in your arteries, your heart must pump more forcefully to deliver blood to the rest of your body. This additional effort raises your blood pressure & puts stress on your heart, which might lead to complications. Eat meals low in cholesterol, such as fruits, vegetables, and products made with several grains, to help your heart. Since they do not contribute to plaque formation in the arteries, foods that are lower in cholesterol can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Get familiar with the figures. Maintain frequent checks on your blood pressure. Get checked out by speaking with your primary care physician.
If You Stop Smoking, Your Heart Will Be Grateful to You.
Quitting smoking will be beneficial to your lungs, but it will also be beneficial to your heart. Quitting smoking will help lower your chance of developing heart disease, a condition for which smoking is a risk factor.
Exercise Is Vital and More Straightforward Than You Would Think
Many individuals know the need to be physically active, but when they go to the gym, they frequently push themselves beyond their limits, putting themselves at risk for injury. Exercising is essential, and it is easier than you may believe. All that is required of you are walking for around half an hour daily. The guideline recommended by the American Heart Association is 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which should be spread throughout the week. This could mean walking back to the subway station on one's way to work instead of taking the bus or getting a ride, or it could even mean getting off a stop early when you take public transportation.