How can I keep heart health?

There are several steps you can take to support heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease:

1. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet should include a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Choose foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars, and aim to limit your intake of processed and refined foods.
2. Get regular physical activity: Regular physical activity can help to boost heart health by improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.
3. Avoid tobacco: Tobacco use, including smoking and using smokeless tobacco, can increase your risk of heart disease. If you currently use tobacco, quitting can help to improve your heart health.
4. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of heart disease. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
5. Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Try to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or talking to a healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
6. Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help to identify any potential heart health issues and allow for early treatment.

Incorporating heart-healthy habits into your daily routine can help to support overall heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. Some heart-healthy foods include:

• Fruits and vegetables: These foods are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure.
• Whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber and can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure.
• Lean proteins: Choose lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, and fish, which are lower in saturated fat compared to red meat.
• Healthy fats: Choose foods that are high in healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and avocados, which can help to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

By making heart-healthy lifestyle choices, you can support overall heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best approach for maintaining heart health, as they can help you to develop a plan that is tailored to your individual needs.