Heart disease is the #1 cause of death among men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Heart disease refers to several types of conditions related to the heart, the most common being coronary artery disease (most associated with heart attacks). About 1 in every 5 deaths is associated with heart disease. Simple lifestyle changes can help improve and maintain good cardiovascular health; check them out below.
– Healthy Eating – A healthy diet should include whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and cooking with oils with less fat per serving.
– Stay Active – Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease. Aim to get 2½ hours of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Kids should get 60 minutes of play and structured activities a day.
– Quit Tobacco – Inhaled nicotine delivery products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping) are the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.. They primarily contribute to heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and other dangerous conditions.
– Sleep – Sleeping 7 – 9 hours a night can help your body heal, improve brain function, and reduce chronic disease risk. Sleep hygiene habits can help you wind down at night and have a restless sleep.
– Maintain a Healthy Weight – Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number value of your weight related to your height and is a simple way to gauge if you are at a healthy weight. A BMI below 25 is optimal.
– Control Cholesterol – HDL (“good” cholesterol) helps LDL (“bad” cholesterol) from sticking to artery walls and reduces plaque buildup, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. A lipid panel screening can inform people of elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Source:
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm
