8 Ways to Help Avoid Heart Disease

Posted: Nov 20, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Heart disease is a major health concern these days. It affects millions of people every year. Help keep your heart healthy by following a few of these tips. Important: Consult with your physician before you change your diet or start any exercise program.

Reduce the amount of sodium intake. Sodium is an essential part of our diets but very little is actually needed. Too much sodium in your diet can lead to high blood pressure and a greater risk of heart disease or stroke. Try to prepare or choose foods with little or no salt. Read food labels carefully and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Drink a lot of water. We all know that water is essential for us to survive. And we've all heard the saying drink eight glasses or more a day. Well water can also benefit our hearts. Drinking water can help prevent heart disease and stroke because it helps prevent arteries in the heart and brain from clogging.

Quit smoking. Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Smoking can cause a buildup of fatty substances in your arteries, this is called atherosclerosis. You greatly increase your risk of a heart attack by continuing to smoke. The longer you continue to smoke the greater the chance of having an attack.

Get regular exercise. Being inactive is a major risk factor for heart disease. Exercise strengthens your heart and helps improve blood circulation. Aerobic exercises are better for your heart, these can include walking or jogging, low-impact aerobics, cycling and jumping rope. You should exercise for about 20 to 30 minutes three to four times a week.

Limit the amount of caffeine. There are still some conflicting studies concerning coffee and caffeine and it's effect on the heart. It has been shown that caffeine elevates blood pressure so try to reduce the amount of liquid containing caffeine you drink.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Yeah I know that's easier said than done but too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and heart failure. Excessive drinking can also lead to stroke. If you do drink, do so in moderation, one or two drinks for men and one for women.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for so many reasons and that includes heart health. Some studies have shown that not getting the proper amounts of sleep, at least seven hours, can cause arteries to become clogged. Surprisingly some studies have also shown that sleeping more than seven hours can also cause this build up. So take note of the time you sleep and if you have problems sleeping consult a doctor.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease or heart attacks. Even if you're only overweight by 20% this can still increase your risk, obesity itself can raise the risk of heart problems. So what should you do? How about starting an exercise program and eating a healthier diet. Do not start a strenuous program, start of with light exercises and follow some of the other tips above.

Once again do not start any exercise program or diet change without first consulting a physician. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. There are some things that you can do to help you live a longer fuller life. Get help as soon as you can.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/8-ways-to-help-avoid-heart-disease-3700196.html

    Article Tags:

    heart disease

    ,

    avoid heart disease

    ,

    heart health

    Oey Piu Hian

    Based on World Health Organization (WHO) health report in 1997, heart disease and blood vessel responsible for the deaths worldwide, or approximately 15 million people, some 7.2 million due to coronary heart disease, and 4.6 million people due to stroke , and the remainder from other heart diseases. In developing countries such as Indonesia itself constantly increasing nearly 50% each year.

    By: Oey Piu Hianl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Oct 17, 2009

    Knowing how to avoid a holiday heart attack will ensure you have a safe and fun holiday season and may save your life.

    By: Paul Millerl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Nov 22, 2009

    With such an increase in cardiovascular disease, Cancer and Diabetes, it becomes more important that you take your health in consideration. Although some illnesses are quasi-unpreventable, there are certain primary prevention measures you can take to protect yourself from most diseases

    By: Raphaell Health> Cancerl May 04, 2009 lViews: 307

    In addition to health reports that link hypertension with stress, it is also scientifically proven. In the US alone, hypertension is the second most common illness. The worse thing is, some people are not even aware that they are already having heart conditions unless they undergo physical examination. Your ability to monitor your heart condition is a crucial component in cardiovascular disease prevention, such that you can reduce such risks in the process.

    By: Allen Blakemorel Healthl Nov 02, 2009

    Your health is the most precious thing you have. Without a healthy body, your life is diminished greatly. Assuming you want a healthy life, it would behoove you know that there may be a link between oral hygengine and your health. What if I was to tell you that by taking care of your teeth you could be adding another 10 years to your life? Well, this may not be too far from the truth. In some cases, good oral health may decrease the likelihood of heart attack and diabetes.

    By: Chris Foersterl Health> Dental Carel Dec 10, 2011
    Rich Hawkins

    There's no doubt about it, omega 3 DHA fatty acids significantly improve your brain and mental health. Find out how they help and the very best source.

    By: Rich Hawkinsl Health> Mental Healthl May 16, 2010
    John Cielo

    A fast way to get gout relief is with baking soda which I've found it to be very effective. But now that I have gotten my uric acid levels under control I don't need to use this home remedy anymore.

    By: John Cielol Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jun 04, 2012
    John Cielo

    Gout was once the 'disease of kings' due to their diet, but not any more. Anybody can have gout nowadays. Easy access to relatively cheap, mass-produced food and alcohol has meant that we are all at the mercy of gout through our diet.

    By: John Cielol Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jun 03, 2012

    We need to keep our omega 6 foods at a minimum and include more omega 3 into our diets. Adding food items such as walnuts, chia seeds, to our salads is a simple and natural way to get our omega.

    By: Sandy Sachsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    Most children demonstrate some impulsive/hyperactive behavior or have difficulty remaining on-task. Although typically found in boys, in 3-7% percent of children the inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior is recognized by clinician as being a significant problem that is not typical of normal development.

    By: vladimirjigsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    Tomas, a 34 year of carpenter, went to see his girl friend of six months at the end of a hard day. Noticing a strange car in the driveway, he peered into her window with some curiosity. He saw her having sexual relations with another man. Enraged, Tomas went home and returned with his shotgun.

    By: vladimirjigsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    That air freshener may be making you sick. Many products we use in our home on a daily basis are making us sick. Be careful of what you use to clean your home.

    By: DArmbristerl News and Society> Environmentl Jan 16, 2011

    One of the first rooms that most people get to see when they enter your home is your living room. Is your living room inviting? Does it really have your personal touch incorporated into it?

    By: DArmbristerl Home Improvement> DIYl Dec 16, 2010

    OK so you want to get your ex back, you miss her, you can't seem to function without her. Here are a few great tips to help you get your ex girlfriend back.

    By: DArmbristerl Relationships> Breakupl Nov 20, 2010

    The average door can take a lot of abuse in its lifetime. After a while you start to notice a squeak here and there or one day it refuses to budge. Proper maintenance and care should be followed in order to keep your doors looking and feeling like new.

    By: DArmbristerl Home Improvement> DIYl Nov 20, 2010

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast