Heart disease is a serious and debilitating medical condition that can develop at nearly any age. Statistics maintained by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicate that heart disease causes more deaths in the United States than any other condition. Specific risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. This can include modifiable risk factors like your weight along with risk factors that cannot be modified like your genetics. In many incidences, men and women can decrease their likelihood of developing heart problems by making better lifestyle choices including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Smoking cessation (quit smoking)
- Routine exercise
- Regulating blood pressure
- Minimizing stress
- Managing diabetes
Develop A Healthy Eating Plan
Learning how to prevent heart disease requires taking control of what you eat. This is because the food you consume on a daily basis can have a direct impact on your potential risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Build a healthy eating plan around foods that are low in cholesterol, trans fats, saturated fats, sodium and added sweeteners and sugars. Instead, eat fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, fiber-rich whole grains and plenty of vegetables and fruit. Consider developing a diet plan without meat at least two or three times every week. By limiting the amount of the sugar-sweetened beverages you consume, you can manage your weight or lose unwanted pounds and inches, which can significantly diminish your potential risk of heart problems.
Remain Physically Active
Starting an exercise regimen to remain physically active is an easy solution for preventing many problems associated with heart conditions. Adequate physical activity performed three or four times every week can maximize your heart health at any age. Begin exercising slowly by working up to 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderately intense aerobic physical activities each week. Alternatively, you can work out 75 minutes every week by performing exercises that produce vigorously intense aerobic physical activities.
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, tobacco or other smoking products can have a dramatic negative effect on your heart health. Your primary care physician can offer a variety of smoking cessation products and programs that can assist you in your efforts to quit the habit. Whenever possible, take steps to avoid exposure to any type of secondhand smoke, which can also increase your potential risk of developing serious heart issues.
If You Are at High Risk
If your doctors say are at high risk for developing medical conditions that can lead to heart failure it is essential to take beneficial steps immediately. Some of these conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary heart diseases. Consider following all the steps above, remain physically active and take any medicine prescribed by your doctor. Avoid the consumption of alcohol beverages and make sure to visit your doctor to receive ongoing care. It is important to know how to prevent heart disease even if you have no signs or symptoms of the condition at all. Staying proactive to keep your heart healthy increases your chances of delaying the condition or preventing it altogether.