Every year, thousands of people vow to follow a strict and restrictive lifestyle to acquire the coveted fit body of their dreams. They try to stick to stringent diets and exercise routines, load up on proteins and purchase fancy gym memberships. Unfortunately, many people fall behind in the race and revert to their old habits.
However, don't let that discourage you from attaining your health goals with a fitter lifestyle. You could always begin by maintaining and monitoring your heart health! The lub-dub of our hearts plays a vital role and if neglected, often leads to cardiovascular issues and other related conditions.
Whether in your 20s or 40s, pay heed to the silent signs of underlying heart conditions. Before you scoff at the idea of heart diseases in your 20s, here are a few reasons to practise healthy heart habits
High cholesterol levels expose you to risks like heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases
People with high blood pressure are susceptible to developing peripheral artery disease, angina, loss of vision, heart and kidney failure
Maintaining heart health will increase your longevity by preventing heart diseases - the no. 1 killer of men and women
Heart disease could potentially lead to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Dementia and cause cognitive decline
By taking proactive measures to keep your heart healthy, you could save tons of money on medical bills! The treatment for such conditions could go into the thousands and potentially even lakhs.
Also Read: Health Insurance Needs at Various Stages of Life
5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Heart
Avoid straining your finances over poor health choices, and make the change today! Follow our simple tips on healthy heart habit practices, which will easily fit into the busiest and most hectic schedules.
1. Avoid Sitting Still for Long Periods!
Your hours of inactivity in the form of sitting still could lead to poor heart health. Research suggests that those will sedentary jobs are more likely to experience potentially fatal cardiovascular events. Set up a timer that reminds you to get up and walk for a minute or two before returning to your seat.
Fun fact: The first open-heart surgery was performed in 1893 by a black American cardiologist named Daniel Hale Williams.
2. Indulge in Lighted-Hearted Fun!
In this fast-paced lifestyle, stress is nearly unavoidable. Studies on this subject highlight the importance of laughter - it can lower stress levels, decrease inflammation in your arteries, and raise your lipoprotein levels, aka “good cholesterol”.
Fun Fact: The first instance and the oldest of heart disease were identified in the remains of a 3,500-year-old Egyptian mummy.
3. Try to Catch Up on Z’s!
Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you groggy and lethargic the next day, it also contributes to your poor heart health! Getting a goodnight’s rest is essential in keeping your heart healthy. These poor sleeping habits could potentially put you at risk for cardiovascular diseases like strokes or heart attacks.
Fun Fact: Giraffes have a lopsided heart owing to a thicker left ventricle that allows blood to circulate past their long necks and reach their brain.
4. Get Yourself a Fluffy Friend!
Whether you live alone or as part of a bustling family, pets are a great source of unconditional love. Aside from providing you with some company, their presence offers numerous health benefits. These benefits include improved heart and lung functions and lowered chances of acquiring heart diseases.
Fun Fact: Keeping a fish tank could lower high anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure and reduce muscle tension.
5. Reduce Your Trans Fat Consumption
So, there's no need to avoid other fats like saturated, polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats. Trans fat raises your cholesterol levels by clogging your arteries and lowers your good cholesterol levels. To avoid falling into the traps of tempting junk foods, start reading the labels and listed ingredients.
Fun Fact: Most heart attacks occur on a Monday!
Arm yourself with these tips on maintaining a healthy heart and become a beacon of good health. Remember, neglecting your health affects you and the sentiments of your loved ones.
FAQs
What should I do to protect myself against heart disease?
These are the vital steps you should follow to maintain great heart health: Do cardio exercises regularly, Eat a healthy diet composed of fresh foods, Get regular check-ups to keep track of your heart health.
