[ad_1]
Heart disease is a formidable enemy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for nearly 25% of all deaths in the United States each year.
Heart problems affect men and women, and an estimated 15 million adults in the United States suffer from coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. And heart disease is not exclusive in the United States, as the Heart Research Institute says, every seven minutes in Canada, a person dies of heart disease or stroke.
These statistics are disconcerting, but they can serve as a wake up call for people to prioritize heart health. Fortunately, heart disease is often preventable and people can use a variety of strategies to reduce their risk.
• Stop smoking now. One of the best things to do to protect the heart is to quit. The Heart Foundation states that smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and damages the walls of blood vessels. It also contributes to atherosclerosis, or narrowing and clogging of the arteries.
• Eat healthy fats. When eating, choose polyunsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids and avoid trans fatty acids as much as possible. Trans fats increase the risk of developing heart disease by clogging the arteries and increasing LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Read the labels before buying anything at the store.
• Keep your mouth clean. Studies show that bacteria in the mouth involved in the development of gum disease can travel in the blood and cause an elevation of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation of the blood vessels. Brush and floss twice a day and be sure to schedule routine dental cleanings.
• Close your eyes. Ensuring adequate sleep can improve heart health. One study found that young and middle-aged adults who regularly slept seven hours a night had less calcium in their arteries (a sign of early heart disease) compared to those who slept five hours or less or to those who slept nine hours or more.
• Adopt healthy eating habits. Diet changes, including increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight, improve your cholesterol, and lower your blood pressure, helping you thus to improve your heart.
• Embrace physical activity. Regular moderate exercise is great for the heart. This can happen at the gym, playing with the kids or even taking the stairs to work.
A healthy heart begins with daily habits that promote long-term heart health.
Source link
