How to Better Your Cardiovascular Health

Having good cardiovascular health is important for anyone to have. Although keeping your heart healthy is so essential to one’s health, many do not take the necessary steps to better their cardiovascular health. Worldwide, heart disease is the number one cause of death but it is, for the most part, preventable. Simple lifestyle changes and risk management could be the only things standing in the way of bettering your cardiovascular health

Frequent Exercise

One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is by moving every day. Exercise may not be all that appealing to some, but it’s essential for living a long and healthy life. Your heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to build strength. Try aiming for at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity such as brisk walking, bicycling, and swimming. Frequent exercise helps with weight management, reduces stress, improves sleep, and lowers blood pressure which all reduce the risk of hypertension. 

Eating Well

There’s a reason why we are told to always eat fruits and vegetables. Eating well can have a huge effect on your cardiovascular health. ​​When meals contain mainly fruits, vegetables, dairy, poultry, fish, and nuts, our bodies will be in much better health. It’s also imperative to avoid or limit the intake of certain foods such as salty and sugary foods and drinks. Eating well can improve your cholesterol, which directly affects your cardiovascular health.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is very bad for your overall health, but especially for your heart. Smoking can cause serious health issues such as heart disease, breathing problems, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and emphysema. Not only is smoking bad for you, but it’s terrible for those around you. If you still smoke, it is essential to talk with your doctor about how to quit smoking. You’ll be bettering your health and the health of others around you by quitting, 

Manage Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause serious issues such as heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and loss of mental function. By lowering your blood pressure, you are reducing your risk of these. Your resting blood pressure should be around 120/80. By exercising daily, avoiding sugary foods, increasing your daily fruit and vegetable intake, limiting your sodium (salt)  intake, and limiting your alcohol intake can all work towards lowering your blood pressure.

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