A healthy lifestyle is important to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal, lowering your risk for heart disease and heart attack.
As American Heart Month comes to an end, always remember to check up on your cardiovascular health!
Eat Healthy Foods and Drinks
Consuming to much of foods high in saturated fat and trans fat can contribute to heart disease.
Consuming foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can help prevent heart disease, by preventing high cholesterol.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, contributing to heart disease. Men should consume no more than 2 drinks per day and women should consume no more than 1 drink per day.
Consuming less sodium can help lower blood pressure.
Consuming less sugar can lower blood sugar levels and prevent or control diabetes.
Maintain a Healthy weight
People struggling with obesity are at a higher risk for heart disease. Carrying extra weight can put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels.
Exercise Regularly
Adults are recommended 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Examples of exercises include brisk walking, bicycling, water aerobics, and dancing.
Children are recommended 1 hour of physical activity a day.
Regular exercise can help people maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower blood sugar levels.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking cigarettes highly increases the risk of heart disease.
If you don’t smoke, don’t start!
If you do smoke, speak with your health care provider about ways to stop.
References
1. “Prevent Heart Disease.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 Apr. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm.