Heart disease continues to be the number-one cause of death across the globe. With this trend, it is not impossible to consider that you might have a heart-related medical problem yourself. But there are things you can do to mitigate your chances of developing heart disease.
Preventing a heart problem from developing in the first place is always better than having to spend money and energy on treatments later on. There are many ways to prevent heart disease, with most of them centering around your lifestyle.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
These adjustments include changing your diet, managing your stress, keeping yourself physically active, and giving up certain “popular” vices. Let’s delve a little deeper in how to prevent heart disease:
Improve Your Diet
The optimal diet for a healthy heart consists of foods that are low in fat and sodium and are rich in essential nutrients like protein and fiber. Focus on increasing your vegetable and fruit intake, especially those that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids – such as from nuts and fish. Limit your intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
Monitor Your Weight and Cholesterol Levels
Once you improve the quality of your diet, other heart disease indicators like cholesterol and weight will improve as well. It is essential to monitor your cholesterol, because high cholesterol can clog your arteries. Clogged arteries can lead to coronary artery disease or heart attack.
Weight also plays a crucial role as a heart disease risk factor. Obesity significantly augments the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases because of the conditions that come with obesity: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is also vital to maintaining a healthy heart. It helps you control your weight and also improves your blood circulation.
An active lifestyle also keeps other conditions at bay, because your body is healthier overall. Do things you enjoy and that are achievable, such as walking the dog several times a day and lifting hand weights for a few minutes. Every little bit helps!
Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake
Too much alcohol intake raises your blood pressure and therefore increases your chances of heart disease. One drink a day is the recommended maximum for women and for men above 65, while men younger than 65 may be able to tolerate up to two drinks a day.
Smoking tobacco raises blood pressure and damages your heart and blood vessels. Long-term cigarette smoking might also lead to a stroke or heart attack. It is crucial to avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible, too.
Treatments for Heart Disease
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe medication for certain heart conditions. Medicine commonly used to treat cardiovascular problems include anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Standard surgical procedures for heart disease include angioplasty, bypass surgery, and stent placement. For severe conditions, a heart transplant could be a viable option if the heart damage is irreversible.
Cardiac Care and Recovery in Atoka, OK
We at Carrus deliver healthcare beyond your expectations. Our state-of-the-art in-patient services are designed to meet the needs of our patients who require acute care or rehabilitative care.
Our clinic is conveniently located in Atoka, Oklahoma. Book an appointment with us now by calling us at (903) 870-2600, and let us be your partner in heart health and overall health!
