8 Ways for a Heart-Healthy Life

8 Ways for a Heart-Healthy Life

We all know that high blood pressure can be quite dangerous, but did you know that it has deadly consequences, being termed the ‘Silent Killer’? Yikes!

HEARTcareWell, here’s why: High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and leads to serious health threats such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease/failure, vision loss, and so on.

Did you know that high blood pressure; along with high cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease? And did you know that heart disease is the #1 leading cause of death in the United States? In fact, 1 in every 4 deaths is from heart disease. So, it’s time to get serious my friends…

Know how to keep your blood pressure in check and how to live by heart healthy rules. Here are important tips from the American Heart Association, to help you escape the ‘Silent Killer’:

1. Eat a heart healthy diet
A diet that helps control high blood pressure includes foods that are relatively high in potassium and low in sodium. (Read: kick those salty snacks to the curb!) You’ll also want to eat meals low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.

2. Give up smoking- for good!

3. Cut your salt intake: Try substituting herbs and spices

4. Manage stress

5. Enjoy regular physical activity:
You should aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. You don’t have to train for a marathon or go to a gym. Just getting out for a power walk around the neighborhood will do your body a lot of good! This is particularly important for individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle…those people sitting behind a desk (or on the sofa) all day long.

6. Limit alcohol consumption

7. Lose weight/maintain a healthy weight

8. Take medication properly:

If you’ve been prescribed medication to manage high blood pressure, be sure to follow doctor’s orders and take the medication as instructed.

Whether you’re looking for more heart health information or a diagnosis from a medical professional, or are in need of emergency care for a heart condition, going to the best hospital in your community can mean the difference between life and death. Check out the America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care and make sure you know where to go.

Cheers to good heart health and longevity for you and your loved ones!

Author: Karen Mellor

Karen is a women’s health and wellness advocate who writes to inspire mindfulness in daily living. She is an educator, wife, parent, and hostess-with-the-mostess. Karen hopes to share her tips for staying centered and embracing life’s moments: the good, the bad, and the utterly ridiculous. She believes a little ingenuity and a lot of laughter can instantly disarm stress and yield a more fulfilling, balanced life.

Back