Use Your Heart Smart - Five Ways To Improve Your Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. It's also the most preventable. We created a helpful list for those of you asking, ‘how can I improve my heart health?’ Read on to get heart smart and reduce your risk of heart disease.

1. Eat A Heart-Healthy Diet

Which food is good for my heart? You should focus on eating healthy fats, like avocado and nuts, while reducing your intake of unhealthy saturated and trans fats, like red meats and cookies. Limit your salt intake by avoiding processed foods and add in wholegrains, fruits and veggies.

2. Make Exercise A Priority

Moderate-intensity exercise, like walking briskly or cycling can lower your risk of heart disease if done on a regular basis. Even just 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week can reduce your likelihood of a heart attack

3. Adjust Your Lifestyle

Quit smoking if you need to and avoid second-hand smoke. Your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half just one year after smoking cessation. But is drinking alcohol bad for your heart? Drinking alcohol in moderation is perfectly fine for most people, but drinking every day in excess increaser your risk.

4. Get Regular Check-Ups

Meet with your doctor on a regular basis to have your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and other risk factors monitored. Let your doctor know if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease like heart attacks or strokes.

5. De-Stress and Get a Good Night’s Rest

Aim to get seven or eight hours of sleep per night for optimal heart health. Incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga, or leisure activities, like gardening, into your day can reduce your stress level, and in turn, reduce the strain on your heart.