5 Tips to Boost Heart Health
The human body is a complex mix of nerves, tissues, organs, and muscles that work tirelessly performing numerous body functions. The heart is one such muscular organ that works tirelessly day and night, often with little recognition, until things start to go wrong.
This fist-sized organ pumps 100,000 times a day and delivers oxygen to every cell in the body.1 Any damage to the human heart can severely compromise your overall health and even be fatal. To know about routine screenings for your heart or other questions, schedule a consultation with the top cardiologist in Kannur.
In fact, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.2
When it comes to good health, prevention is always better than cure. We all know the importance of healthy food and a regular exercise regime for heart health, but there’s a lot more you can do. Here, we bring you simple doctor-recommended ways to keep your heart healthy and happy.
1. Regularise your Sleep Pattern
A healthy sleep habit is crucial for good health. This is the time for your body to heal and carry out numerous processes. Staying awake for long hours or having an irregular sleep habit can compromise these functions and impact your heart health. Lack of sleep also increases the risk of inflammation, Type 2 Diabetes, and other concerns which also impact the heart. Opt for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep every night. Turn off the TV and mobile screens at least an hour before sleeping to help your body unwind and sleep better.
2. Quit Smoking
When it comes to heart health, smoking is one of the worst things you can do. Smoking should be avoided completely. Nicotine in cigarettes can change the normal heart rate and cause it to beat faster. Additionally, smoking also narrows the blood vessels leading to restricted blood flow and chest pain, one of the most common heart attack symptoms. If you find quitting this habit, reach out to a cardiologist in Kannur for support groups, rehab centres, and other techniques that can help you on your journey. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk for heart disease by 50% and even more.3
3. Incorporate Regular Movement
A regular exercise regime is good but does little to help if the rest of the day you are sedentary. These days with desk jobs, TV surfing, and other sedentary habits, most people tend to sit for long periods of time without activity. This is one of the most damaging things for your heart and blood flow. Make it a point to walk for 5 minutes every hour you sit. Preferably, take a break every 30 minutes, even if it is to do gentle joint movements at your desk such as ankle rotations, stretches, etc.
4. Care for Your Teeth
Several studies have proven a link between gum disease and heart health. Poor dental hygiene can cause bacteria from the mouth to be absorbed in the bloodstream which could lead to inflammation. Maintaining a healthy regime of brushing twice a day and using floss or mouthwash to prevent gum disease can also help support a healthy heart.
5. Schedule Regular Tests
Another important factor when it comes to your heart health is to catch any disease early. Heart attacks may start with mild symptoms that get ignored until it becomes severe or fatal. Schedule regular tests with your cardiologist to ensure everything is in order. Additionally, recognise heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in arms or upper body, light-headedness, and cold sweats, and take immediate action.
Conclusion
The heart performs a myriad of functions every day, often with little thanks. Starting today, incorporate these simple but effective habits to ace your heart. A healthy diet, regular exercise, reduced stress levels, and other simple tips outlined here can help keep your heart healthy and happy throughout your life regardless of what your lifestyle has been till now.
