When it comes to heart health, being informed can be your best tool. Did you know that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they account for approximately 32% of all deaths each year.
Heart attacks can occur at any age, but the risk increases as we age. Men generally face a higher risk at an earlier age than women, but after menopause, the risk increases significantly.
That’s why our favorite doctor and cardiologist, Dr. Juan, shares 7 simple steps to prevent a heart attack and maintain a healthy, happy heart.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nuts, and legumes. It’s important to limit processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar.
- Exercise regularly and engage in physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or dancing, to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, helping the heart function more efficiently. Adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
- Maintain a healthy weight to help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. It’s recommended that your BMI should be between 18.5 and 25. Check your number and take action.
- Keep your blood pressure normal. Maintaining normal blood pressure is crucial for your health, as it can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.
- Control your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Excess fat can stick to the walls of your arteries, blocking them, and high glucose levels can damage blood vessels.
- Don't smoke! Quit smoking in all forms to help improve overall health and quality of life, thus reducing the risk of many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and strokes.
- Reduce stress and sleep more. Adults who sleep less than 6 hours a night have a 200% higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, make sure you get enough rest each night and reduce stress by doing yoga, meditating, or seeing a therapist.
As you can see, it’s not about making drastic or complicated changes but rather implementing simple and viable steps that can have a significant impact on your life. Start today to keep your heart strong and healthy tomorrow.
You can listen to these tips directly from Dr. Juan here.
Your Santo Remedio Team.
