The heart is one of the most vital organs in the body, and making sure that it is healthy can be a great step to leading healthy and fulfilling life. It’s not as hard, and these simple, common sense tips can be a great way to keep your heart healthy for years to come.
Tip # 1: Don’t Smoke
The idea of not smoking and a healthy heart is one that most people have heard over and over again. However, there is a reason for it. The chemicals found in tobacco products have been proven to damage the heart and blood vessels, and can contribute to the narrowing of arteries or atherosclerosis. These conditions make a person a prime candidate for a heart attack. So, if you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do, talk to your medical professional about quitting today.
Tip # 2: Get Regular Exercise
Surprised? Getting regular exercise is a wonderful way to keep a heart healthy and active. And truthfully, it doesn’t have to be that much to be effective. Simply exercise about 30 minutes a day for three days a week, and the benefits will become quickly apparent. Not only will you lose weight, but you’ll help lower your cholesterol, and possibly lower your blood pressure as well.
Tip # 3: Eat a Heart Healthy Diet
This is another tip that most people recognize, but few implement on a regular basis. However, eating a heart healthy diet, filled with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and plenty of good fats can be a great way to help keep your heart healthy and strong. So start by replacing some of the red meat or dairy products in the diet with foods like salmon, fresh broccoli, and a nice three-bean salad. These tasty alternatives will make you wonder what you ever did without them.
Tip# 4: Keep a Healthy Weight
Perhaps one of the most important things that a person can do for their overall health, and the health of their heart are to maintain a healthy body weight. A healthy body weight allows the heart to work more efficiently since there is less body mass for the heart to pump the blood through. Maintaining a healthy body weight can be accomplished through diet, exercise, and of course regular visits with your health advisor. In essence, doing what is right for your body is the right thing to do for your heart.