It has been reported that heart disease is the leading cause of deaths in the United States.
One of the biggest reasons for such a high prevalence of heart diseases in the USA is the lack of commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Observing a good, heart-healthy routine is one of the best ways of combating the risk of stroke and heart diseases such as heart attack.
In this article, we will have a look at some of the healthy lifestyle habits that can help in reducing the likelihood of heart attack.
- Quit smoking
Smoking has an extremely undesirable impact on the cardiovascular system. It can adversely affect the normal function of your heart and blood vessels and prevent the oxygen-rich foods from reaching the organs. Consequently, smoking poses a great threat to your health and increases the likelihood of heart diseases, which can lead to a heart attack. Therefore, it is important to abstain from smoking.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
Eating a healthy diet is not only important for averting heart diseases but also for leading a fit life. The food you consume can largely impact other controllable risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and overweight. Try to eat foods that are rich in nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and minerals, and are low on calories.
A heart-healthy diet includes eating vegetables, whole grains, fruits, low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, legumes, and nontropical vegetable oils. Also, try to cut down on artificially-sweetened beverages, sweets, and red meats. This will help you in maintaining a healthy body weight and preventing heart diseases such as heart attack or stroke.
- Exercise regularly
Indulging in cardiovascular exercises daily is a great way to keep your cholesterol and blood pressure levels in control. These exercises also help in relieving stress and enhancing one’s mood.
Therefore, it is recommended to exercise for at least 150 minutes every week to improve your overall health.
- Connect with your body
After the diagnosis of any heart disease, you are more likely to experience a wide range of emotions such as anxiety or depression. These emotions can further aggravate your condition, making it difficult to focus on your treatment.
So, it is important to develop a positive outlook about your treatment. You can also get in touch with a doctor and discuss your mental or physical health to gather necessary support.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight is directly linked to the increased chances of developing heart conditions. Introduce a regular workout schedule and diet modifications into your everyday life to lose weight and prevent a heart attack.
- Closely monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase the stress on your heart and blood vessels. Consuming a low-sodium diet together with regular exercise and a healthy weight can help in managing the condition. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe certain medications for the same.
Follow these above-mentioned steps and begin your journey toward a heart-healthy life.