Keeping your heart healthy requires dedication in many areas of life. The Mayo Clinic notes that a proper diet, physical activity, regular health screenings and breaking habits like smoking are all necessary for optimal heart health. The benefits of a healthy heart are worth this diligence. You'll be better at physical tasks, less prone to disease and may even live longer.
Less Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
Low cholesterol and a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. The American Heart Association recommends a diet low in cholesterol to minimize the possibility of these potentially fatal conditions. If you ingest too much cholesterol, it can build up on the walls of the arteries and the heart. It becomes more difficult for blood to pass through these constricted areas, and a blockage can cause a heart attack or stroke. The healthier the heart, the lower the risk of a blockage.
Improved Physical Capabilities
The American Heart Association points out that a healthy heart increases your capacity for aerobic physical tasks, like running or swimming. A healthy heart can better circulate oxygen throughout the body, which maximizes the efficiency and endurance of your muscles.
Increased Life Expectancy
As you age, the heart deteriorates. A condition called heart failure, in which the heart cannot keep up with the demands of the body, becomes a concern. The chance of contracting heart failure is increased with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and other markers of an unhealthy heart. Merck reports that up to 70 percent of the patients with heart failure die as a result of the disorder within ten years. A focus on heart health helps stave off this condition and can increase your life expectancy.
