Understandably, the actions we take and the food we eat contribute to our heart health. Consider these tips to increase your heart health and your overall quality of life:
Heart Health Tip #1: Exercise Regularly
The Center for Disease Control states that “regular physical exercise is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health.” Regular exercise lowers blood sugar and blood pressure, controls weight gain, balances your fat-to-muscle ratio, decreases stress, and more. When you take part in cardiovascular exercises such as running or swimming, your heart is getting a great workout!
Heart Health Tip #2: Shed Belly Fat
Obesity is a huge risk factor for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other serious heart conditions. When your fat-to-muscle ratio is disproportionate, your heart must work extra hard to meet the body’s needs. By losing excess body fat and belly fat, you are helping your body function more efficiently and lowering your risk of developing diseases.
Heart Health Tip #3: Reduce Stress Levels
Stress is a serious culprit of heart disease and should not be ignored. When you experience stress, your entire body is affected in a negative way. Before reaching for antidotes that will harm your body such as a cigarette or fast food, try to control your stress in a more natural way such as exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep.
Heart Health Tip #4: Get Consistent Sleep
Did you know that how much you sleep affects your heart health? It’s true! Results from a recent study showed that adults who sleep seven hours each night had less calcium in their arteries which is one of the signs of heart disease.
Heart Health Tip #5: Laugh More
When you laugh, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are great for your heart health! They protect your heart by lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, increasing blood flow, and improving the function of blood vessels.
The team at Middle Georgia Heart specializes in conditions related to the heart. If you are concerned about your heart or need a doctor’s guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.