6 Great Ways to Express Your Feelings for Your Heart
THE HEART
A hollow muscular organ that uses rhythmic contraction and dilatation to move blood through the circulatory system. There may be up to four chambers in vertebrates (as in humans), with two atria and two ventricles.
Reduce your intake of sugary and fatty foods. Follow the four F's and avoid the four S's to simplify your life. Fruits and vegetables, fiber, fish, and fat-free foods are among the four F's. Avoiding sugar, salt, saturated fat, and smoking are among the four S's.
2. Get Involved
"When you're active, your muscles get stronger, and your heart has an easier time pumping blood to the rest of your body," said Kirk Knowlton, MD, head of cardiovascular research at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and president of the AHA's Western Region. "You'll also lower your blood pressure and cholesterol." Moderate movement for 30 minutes each day and 5,000 to 10,000 steps per day should keep your heart in good shape."
3. Shed Pounds
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk factors for heart disease greatly. Fad diets almost never work. Maintain a healthy lifestyle on a constant basis. 4. Cholesterol Control "A normal cholesterol level is less than 200, but less cholesterol is always preferable," Dr. Knowlton says. "As a general rule, get your cholesterol checked every three to five years."
4. Maintain Blood Pressure Control
Understand your numbers. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80. If your blood pressure is higher than 130, consult your doctor. Reducing your salt intake is an excellent strategy to lower your blood pressure.
5. Lower Blood Sugar
"High blood sugar damages the lining of your blood vessels, making them susceptible to plaque buildup," Dr. Knowlton explained. You can control your blood sugar by leading a healthy lifestyle and limiting your sugar intake.
6. Quit smoking
Stop smoking if you are a smoker. If you are not a smoker, do not begin. When you smoke, your heart health deteriorates swiftly.
