3 Things You Can Start Doing Today For A Healthier Heart
Most people are well aware of the fact that exercise is good for their heart, but there are many other things that you can do that can keep the heart healthy. Here are three things that you can start doing today and continue doing on a daily basis to work toward a healthier heart—and they're easy!
1. Cut Out Trans Fat
While it is true that there are certain fats—healthy fats—that are good for your body, there is one particular fat that you do not want to indulge in: trans fat. Trans fat is known to increase your risk of having a stroke or developing heart disease. Why is that? Well, trans fat has the ability to clog up your arteries by lowering your good cholesterol levels and increasing your bad cholesterol levels.
By taking steps to remove them from your diet, you will boost the flow of blood through your body. Trans fats can be found in various snack foods, packaged baked goods, fried fast foods, and margarine. Check the labels on foods the next time you are at the grocery store and aim for 0 percent trans fat.
2. Get More Sleep at Night
Believe it or not, the amount of sleep that you get each night has a direct impact on your heart health. When you fail to get a proper amount of sleep each night, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of developing heart disease, and this is regardless of your age. Ideally, you should try to get somewhere between seven and eight hours of sleep each night—or at least most night. If you believe you have sleep apnea, make sure to see a physician as soon as possible to be treated, as this is a condition that has been linked to heart disease.
3. Avoid Secondhand Smoke
Studies have shown that you are 25 to 30 percent more likely to develop heart disease when you are exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoke from cigarettes contains hundreds of very hazardous chemicals, and many of these cause cancer. These chemicals increase a person's blood pressure as well as both the short- and long-term risk of heart attack. Each year, there are roughly 46,000 individuals who do not smoke that die of heart disease as a result of secondhand smoke.
For additional information on how to maintain a healthy heart, reach out to a cardiology center in your area such as Temecula Valley Cardiology.
