Tips to get a Healthy Heart

A strong heart is a result of healthy lifestyle choices. So, one should aim to be active and stress-free.

Today's fast-paced life and work pressures have escalated our stress levels and taking a toll on one's heart. We must realize that the healing power of the body decreases when under stress, leading to many complications like hypertension and poor immunity. Today, even youngsters are prone to heart ailments.

So, it's really important to stay healthy and manage your stress levels by understanding the risk factors which are usually high cholesterol levels, stressful lifestyle, smoking, and lack of exercise. Below are certain simple steps which can help you in changing your lifestyle to a healthy and happy one:

1) Avoid smoking

Smoking brings down life expectancy by 15-25 years. If you are a smoker, you are twice more likely to get a heart attack than a non-smoker. The moment you stop smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to decrease too.

2) Cut down on salt

Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

3) Watch your diet

Try to have a balanced diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, starch foods such as wholegrain bread and rice.

4) Monitor your alcohol

Too much alcohol can damage the heart muscle, increase blood pressure and also lead to weight gain. Avoid intake of alcohol or at least limit it to one to two units a day, gradually decreasing the consumption.

5) Get active

At least aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Keeping yourself fit not only benefits the heart but also improves mental health and well-being.

6) Monitor your BP, blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Routine medical check-ups will ring an alarm, if you need medical help.

7) Manage your waist

Cholesterol deposition in blood vessels begins in the first decade of life. Carrying a lot of extra weight as fat can greatly affect your health. Make small but healthy changes in your diet.

8) Manage your stress level

If you find things are getting on top of you, you may fail to eat properly, smoke and drink too much. This may increase your risk of a heart attack. Practice yoga/meditation. Take a vacation.

9) Check your family history

If a close relative is at risk of developing coronary heart disease from smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity and diabetes, then you could be at risk too.

10) Laughter is the best medicine

Laughing and staying happy will work wonders for you. It is an instant way to unleash the pressure and it makes you feel light too.

So follow the simple tips given above and love the heart that makes you love your closed ones!