Antioxidants, Exercise, Heart Health, Stress / Relaxation, Weight Loss
8 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease | Vitabase health
Dec
Heart disease treatment depends on the type and extent of the disease. For instance, treatment options for coronary artery disease include lifestyle modifications and medication, but a pacemaker may be required for significant heart rhythm issues.
Your doctor will choose the optimal course of therapy for you. Make sure you carefully and completely follow all instructions.
Treatment Options for Heart Disease Often Include:
Lifestyle adjustments These are frequently the initial actions in treating heart disease. A heart-healthy diet reduced in sodium and fat, regular exercise, giving up smoking, and moderate alcohol use are just a few examples of lifestyle adjustments.
Medication If changing your lifestyle is not enough to treat your heart condition; your doctor may recommend taking medication. The disease and severity will determine the kind of medication that is recommended.
Guidelines for Avoiding Heart Disease
The following lifestyle modifications can aid in the treatment and prevention of heart disease:
Adopt a balanced diet.
The key to preventing heart disease is to maintain a heart-healthy diet. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is advised by the American Heart Association (AHA) for optimum heart health. The DASH diet focuses on heart-healthy meals high in minerals, protein, and fiber yet low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products without added fat or reduced fat, fish, poultry, and nuts are among the foods to emphasize. In addition, red meat, desserts, added sugars, and sugar-sweetened beverages are prohibited under the DASH diet plan.
Regular exercise
Physical activity has several advantages, including improved circulation and heart health. The American Heart Association (AHA) advises engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise five days a week or at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise three days a week in addition to moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening exercise two days a week, for best heart health.
Maintain blood pressure control.
High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. Make sure to have regular blood pressure checks. For most adults, this translates to once a year; if your blood pressure is excessive, you may need to see more frequently. An average blood pressure value is 120/80 millimeters of mercury, according to the AHA (mmHg). Your chance of developing cardiovascular disease increases if you are above this range. Both medicine and lifestyle modifications can reduce blood pressure.
Keep your cholesterol in check.
High cholesterol can block your arteries, increasing your heart attack and coronary artery disease risk. Once more, if necessary, your doctor will advise medication and lifestyle modifications to lower your cholesterol.
Keep a healthy weight.
Because it increases the likelihood of other heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, being overweight or obese considerably boosts the risk of developing heart disease. These diseases can be avoided, and your chance of developing heart disease is reduced by maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and a balanced diet.
Drink in moderation.
Alcohol abuse increases the risk of heart disease by increasing blood pressure and adding extra calories to your diet, which can result in weight gain. Males over 65 and healthy women of all ages should keep one drink daily, while men 65 and younger should limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks per day.
Avoid smoking.
You must stop using cigarettes if you do. It’s crucial to avoid starting if you don’t already smoke. Smoking increases your heart attack and stroke risk and boosts your blood pressure. Discuss the quitting strategies that will be most effective for you with your doctor.
Stress management.
Stress can have various adverse effects on the heart, including rising blood pressure and, in severe circumstances, even precipitating a heart attack. Additionally, some people use unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, such as bingeing on food or abusing alcohol or tobacco, both of which raise the risk of heart disease. Exercise, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy are all practical approaches to handling stress.