A common misunderstanding is that only men, overweight or older people are at risk of heart disease. But in actual fact the opposite is true. You can be as thin as a rake, eating healthy and exercising and you still might be at risk.
Heart disease is not determined solely by one of these factors but rather a culmination of factors. The good news is that it can be prevented. Research shows you can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 82 percent if you follow a few healthy lifestyle changes.
Stop lighting up. Following a healthy lifestyle doesn’t cancel out the harmful effects of smoking. Cardiologist Dawn Calderon says if you light up regularly, your risk of heart disease is two to four times greater than a nonsmoker. Fortunately it’s never too late to stop smoking. Stop now and in just one year you’ll cut your risk of heart disease by up to 50 percent.
Stress less. Stress breaks down your immune system so you’re more likely to get sick and this forces your heart to work harder. Research shows that reducing stress can have a positive impact on your heart. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. Dr Molly Roberts says you should aim to streamline your life so that you’re concentrating on your top 3-4 priorities rather than on a million different things.
Investigate your sleeping habits. Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disease and most people don’t even know they have it. According to Professor of medicine, Joyce Walsleben, just 10 percent of people who have this sleeping disorder know they have it. Because you struggle to breathe this puts pressure on your heart and can increase your risk of hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Snoring, pauses in breathing and excessive sleepiness during the day are all symptoms of this disease. So if you’re still tired after a good night’s sleep or your partner constantly complains about your constant snoring it’s best to consult with your doctor.
Know your siblings heart. 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. Looking at your parents and grandparents might not be the only way of predicting your heart health. Having a brother or sister with heart disease may even be a stronger predictor. Studies show that your risk of developing heart disease increases significantly if you have a sibling who has experienced it. Go for regular checkups and encourage family to go and ask them about it- it could save their lives and yours.
Eat healthy foods. Over 150 recent studies have confirmed that eating healthy determines how well our blood circulation system works. Saturated and trans fats and sodium are often the culprits that increase your risk of heart disease, while garlic, yoghurt, herbs and salmon could save your heart. Here are 15 foods that could save your heart.
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