Heart disease accounts for 1/3 of deaths across the world and more than 17 million lives last year alone were lost to various heart and cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association releases heart disease statistics annually and have estimated in their report that by 2030, 23.6 million lives will be lost to heart disease annually.
Healthy lifestyle choices can make a big difference to your heart health. According to one study done at the Karolinska Institute, these five habits in particular can potentially prevent 80% of first time heart attacks in men…
1. Physical Activity
The AHA has revealed how living a sedentary life can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, although this is a risk that can be avoided in most situations.
Studies have revealed how exercise can reduce plasma lipid levels and correct obesity indices. Exercise was also shown to improve glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation and enhance the psychological health of CHD patients.
Practicing yoga, running, aerobics, cycling or swimming can all help to keep the heart healthy and to avoid the potential risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The report also stated that exercise regimens for heart patients shouldn’t be extreme as this may increase the risk for CVD.
The Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences released findings that exercise can strengthen skeletal muscle functional capacity and lower resistance. It also enhanced the capacity of intrinsic pumping of the heart. Evidence also suggests that routine exercise can reduce or even partially restore dysfunction within the heart.
2. Choosing Healthy Foods
People who eat a Mediterranean diet had a 50-70% reduction in their recurrent cardiovascular disorders. This was according to a Lyon heart study that examined subjects between the ages of 50-80 who had previously been diagnosed with myocardial infarctions.
Scientists give a large portion of credit to the use of Olive Oil within the Mediterranean recipes as it contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can dissolve fats and lipids and reverse oxidative stress.
3. Avoid Smoking
Smoking has been found to significantly increase the risk of developing hypertension, stroke, peripheral vascular disorders and CVry artery disease. This was according to a report published by the The Bureau of Metabolism concerning the various lifestyle components of disease.
Smoking has also been linked to endothelial inflammation and dysfunction, or disrupting the relaxing and constricting abilities within arteries. This can lead to thrombus formation and the development of atherosclerotic plaque. There is also a link between nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke and various cardiovascular disease.
4. Choosing Healthy Activities
Doing some form of physical activity every day can make a big difference to your health. Walking for at least 25 minutes every alternate day can have a beneficial impact on your heart health.
Eating plenty of fresh organic foods including fruits, vegetables and legumes can all be beneficial to health. Including plenty of superfoods such as avocados, nuts, seeds and legumes are all healthy ways to get more vitamins and minerals into your daily routine.
Choosing to eat lean meats and wild fish can also be a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids that can support good heart health and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. Reduce Your Stress Levels
By lowering your stress levels, you can consciously improve your cardiovascular health. Activities such as meditation, yoga or Tai Chi are all gentle activities that can play a significant role in reducing cardiovascular symptoms and the risk of a heart disease.
Transcendental meditation in particular has been shown to have various benefits for heart health and there is strong evidence to suggest that the practice can help to reduce heart attacks, strokes and even early death from heart disease.
Practising meditation for 5-10 minutes every day can help to reduce stress. This can have a powerful effect on lowering blood pressure levels that may otherwise lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Alongside these tips, you may want to consider adding in the following supplements and recommended reading to help support your heart and cardiovascular health…
Recommended Reading
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Recommended Examples
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