Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, warns the American Heart Association. Your heart is the most important organ in your body, yet it's so easy to neglect, which puts you at risk for a myriad of diseases and heart problems. To maintain a healthy life, you must maintain a healthy heart. When you treat your heart well, it is more likely to work well for you, allowing a longer, healthier life.
Reduce Cholesterol
Cholesterol is responsible for fat in your arteries. Since your arteries are basically pipelines your heart uses to pump blood, your heart has to work harder if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can usually be lowered with a combination of a healthy diet and exercise, but cholesterol can also be managed via prescription medication, notes the American Heart Association. Your total cholesterol---LDL, triglycerides and HDL combined---should stay under 200 mg/dL. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your numbers or if diet and exercise don't seem to help.
Eat a Healthier Diet
Depending on the foods you typically eat, you could be helping or hurting your heart. The food that you eat can have a bearing on how well your heart works overall. In general, avoid high-fat and high-sodium foods. Your intake of fat should be less than 30 percent of your daily calories overall, notes the Franklin Institute. Instead, look for foods high in fiber and protein to keep your body and muscles functioning well. Whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables are all good choices to keep your heart healthy.
Get Moving
Exercise helps improve your cardiovascular function so your heart pumps more efficiently. When you become sedentary, your heart can weaken over time, making you more prone to heart disease, heart attack and even stroke. By incorporating at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity each week, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can help keep your heart strong and in working order. Always talk to your doctor before you begin a new fitness routine to ensure that your heart is healthy enough for increased physical activity.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the most detrimental things you can do to your heart. Each time you puff, you're polluting your heart and body with over 4,800 chemicals, warns MayoClinic.com. Those chemicals can damage blood vessels and inhibit your heart's function. When you smoke, you also increase heart and blood pressure, sometimes to dangerous levels. This can weaken your heart over time. Once you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease is reduced, and the longer you don't smoke, the healthier your heart will be.
