Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Things you do every day can affect your heart health, which can have a great impact on all aspects of your life. Making sure your heart is the healthiest it can be is essential to living life to the fullest.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol is one of the leading factors contributing to heart disease. Cholesterol is found in all kinds of foods. When you have too much cholesterol, your arteries can potentially be clogged with plaque, weakening them and possibly leading to a heart attack. In general, a cholesterol level above 200 is something to be concerned about.
Avoid foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat, such as red meat and fried foods. Also, smoking can greatly affect your LDL (or bad) cholesterol. Your doctor may suggest diet and exercise as a way to reduce your cholesterol.
Obesity
Obesity has been directly linked with heart disease, especially in people who carry much of their weight in their upper bodies. When you are obese, your body has to work harder to deliver blood and other nutrients to your organs, which makes your heart work harder and can lead to fatigue and disease.
Exercise and diet are the best ways to fight obesity. Track the food you eat and how many calories you consume each day. Doctors also recommend performing some sort of moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times a week to reduce your risk for obesity.
Blood Pressure
The amount of force your blood puts against the walls of your arteries is measured as blood pressure. Over 33 percent of Americans suffer from high blood pressure. High blood pressure is another signal of heart disease and can lead to heart failure, stroke and even kidney failure.
To keep your blood pressure low, avoid foods that are high in salt content. Salt causes your body to retain water, which can affect your blood pressure. Normal blood pressure levels tend to be around 120/80 but can vary depending on each individual. Consult your doctor to find out what your optimal blood pressure range should be.
Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart
What you put in your body has a direct effect on your internal organs. Foods high in fat and excess calories make your body work harder, and excess calories are stored as fat. Strive for a diet that is balanced among all the major food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Foods high in fiber have also been proven to reduce your risk for heart disease.
Wellness Exams
Staying on top of your heart health numbers is important. To get these numbers, you'll have to visit regularly with your doctor. He can measure your blood pressure, get your cholesterol numbers and advise you about your weight. Meeting regularly with your doctor also can help you come up with a plan to have a healthier heart and to prevent disease.
