You might have heard this many times before: If you stay physically active and maintain your target weight in middle age, there is less risk of developing heart diseases. It’s also not new hearing warnings against smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Seeing a cardiologist when a cholesterol check reveals high blood levels is on this list of practices for good heart health.
You are on the right track, but you are just skimming the surface. There are several other ways you can keep your heart healthy in a world where junk food, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and a sedentary lifestyle are constant temptations.
Your heart and your lifestyle
Reducing risk factors for cardiovascular and heart disease is the mission of doctors and researchers dedicating their practice to heart health. Leaders of preventive cardiology are doing their best to determine the best ways to lessen the likelihood of developing various heart ailments, even reducing the price of cardiology tests.
Starting early
You have to start thinking about your heart’s health way before it starts showing signs of a problem. If you ask a doctor today at what age a person should have cardiac screening and monitoring, don’t be surprised at the answer. Preventive care starts in your 20’s. Even if you are at the peak of health, you’ll know you’re not well when you are sedentary and eat empty calories. A 20-year-old who wants to stay healthy should see a doctor regularly and start establishing lifestyle choices and habits that will ensure good health for many years.
Dealing with stress and daily challenges
If you are already in your 30s and starting to feel the burden your responsibilities, find time to consult a doctor for wellness advice. Even if you are not yet exhibiting signs of cardiovascular problems, the stress and daily physical abuse could make you feel some physical differences. Your heart would have to work harder when the body and the mind are not in optimal working condition.
Given the mechanical and electrical nature of cardiac functions, it won’t be unusual to experience little inconveniences that compromise your overall efficiency. Screening for heart diseases should be a priority, and dietary choices must be tailor-fit to the results of such tests such as blood pressure and body mass index, as well as blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Your family and your heart’s health
If you’re already in your forties but haven’t bothered to seek cardiac health advice, make it a priority. While you may not be exhibiting any symptoms of a disease, a history of any cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and metabolic problems such as diabetes in your family should motivate you to consult a doctor for risk management.
Today, start making wellness and cardiovascular health a matter of prime importance to your family. If you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, plan weekend activities outdoors. Leave your smartphones inside the house and shoot hoops, play volleyball, or maybe walk a few rounds around the block before preparing a well-balanced dinner.
