Did you know that one person dies every 36 seconds of heart disease in this country? It is the leading cause of death second only to cancer, no matter what race or sex. Many people are at risk due to medical conditions as well as lifestyle choices.
If you are concerned about heart disease, it’s important to learn more about it. In order to keep your heart healthy, there are things that you can do. Check out these six tips for a healthier heart here.
1. Stop Smoking
Smoking is high on the list of the top tips for preventing heart disease. If you are a smoker, stop smoking. And even if you aren’t, try to avoid being around smokers since secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease.
2. Avoid Trans Fats
While some fats can be good for you, trans fats like partially hydronated oils are bad. If you were wondering how to have a healthy heart, eliminating those fats from your diet can be beneficial. Otherwise, they can clog your arteries and raise your bad cholesterol, which increases your risk for not just heart disease but having a stroke, too.
3. Sleep
One of the best things you can do when taking care of your heart is to get a good night’s sleep. People who get less than six hours of sleep have an increased risk of death due to cardiac causes. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
4. Have Good Dental Hygiene
Many people aren’t aware that dental hygiene might be a factor in heart disease. Those who are at risk for gum disease are often at risk for heart disease, so it’s important to have good dental hygiene. The next time you see your dentist, ask them about periodontal disease and if you are at risk for it.
5. Keep Your Heart Healthy With Exercise
By now it’s no secret that exercise can do wonders for your health. Whether it is a moderate-intensity workout or short bursts of vigorous aerobic activity, it’s important to stay active. You can do any kind of exercise that gets your heart rate up, including walking.
6. Understand the Differences
Finally, it’s important to understand the differences between men and women when it comes to heart disease. Women may have different warning signs than men when it comes to heart attacks. And after menopause, hormonal changes in women can also contribute to risk factors.
Make Healthy Choices
Now that you’ve learned the top tips about how to keep your heart healthy, you can be proactive. Eat a healthy diet that is full of vegetables, fiber, and lean meats and avoid trans fats. Get enough exercise and sleep, practice good dental hygiene, and avoid smoking and being around second-hand smoke from smokers.
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