The heartbeat is the steady rhythm that keeps each one alive. When the heartbeat stops, so does the individual. It is therefore, imperative to keep the heart healthy because this is one of the most vital organs of an organism including human beings. There are various heart related diseases that are painful, and fatal. However, by keeping the heart healthy, one can avoid such conditions. There are several factors that directly influence heart health including healthy diet, exercise, blood pressure level, cholesterol level, and daily sodium and sugar intake besides others. Keep a close watch on these factors and keep your heart healthy, which is a key to longevity.
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Level
Cholesterol is a soft and waxy matter, which is made up of fatty lipids and steroids found in the body tissues as well as in blood plasma. It is important because the blood cholesterol level determines your risk of having a heart attack or a heart related disease. Cholesterol level is measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. If the total cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL then it is considered as normal. Blood cholesterol levels between 200 and 239 are the indication of borderline high cholesterol, and levels of 240 mg/dL and above indicate high blood cholesterol level.
However, high blood pressure can also lead to coronary heart disease and other health problems. A normal blood pressure measures 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure, on the other hand, ranges from 140-160/90-100.
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Healthy Diet
A healthy diet includes lots of green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and low fat milk products, etc. Eat a balanced diet and avoid fats, sugars, and alcohol. In addition, you must follow a healthy diet routine everyday. Learn what to eat and how to eat a healthy heart diet.
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- Diet and heart disease: A complete paper on heart disease, factors affecting heart disease including diet.
Keep Yourself Active:
An active lifestyle is very important for keeping yourself and your heart healthy. Physical activity will help improve your heart health, decrease stress, increase bone density, increase flexibility and help maintain healthy body weight, etc. Do exercise, yoga or meditation at least three days a week and feel the difference.
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- Heart disease & exercise: The research paper discusses the role of exercise for patients with coronary heart disease.
Nutritious Foods:
It has been found that most coronary heart disease and stroke can be prevented through healthy eating. Healthy eating includes the incorporation of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, less saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates, etc. Watch your calories and avoid overeating. The most nutritious foods that protect the heart must contain components such as vitamins, antioxidants, etc.
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Body Weight Levels
Measurement of body weight involves three fundamental things: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and risk factors for disease and conditions linked with obesity.
BMI is the most useful calculation of overweight and obesity. It is measured using your height and weight. The higher BMI increases the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. A normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9, for overweight, it is 25.0 to 29.9 and for obese, it is 30 and above.
Waist circumference, on the other hand, helps screen some possible health risks that are linked with overweight and obesity. If your fat is accumulated on the waist region then you are at risk of heart disease. In addition to BMI and waist circumference, other risk factors include high LDL (bad cholesterol) level, high BP, high blood sugar are directly associated with heart disease.
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Stress Levels:
Everyone has to deal with stress. It is the body’s response to any kind of external stimulus including physical, mental and emotional. However, stress is directly linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol level. In order to keep yourself stress free, you will need to make priorities in your life. Keep yourself busy and look for the positive side of life. These small yet vital things are important for your happy and disease free lifestyle.
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Daily Sodium and Sugar Intake:
According to the American Health Association, sugar intake per day for women should not exceed 6 teaspoons and 9 added teaspoons for men. Added sugars include honey, syrup, brown rice syrup, and molasses, etc.
On the other hand, sodium is an essential nutrient, which is used to modify flavor, binds ingredients, enhances color and also serves as a stabilizer. The American Heart Association suggests that you select and prepare food with little or no salt in order to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease. Try to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day (1/4 teaspoon salt = 600mg sodium).
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Smoking:
It is a bitter fact that smoking increases the risk of heart disease. Tobacco contains thousands of poisons that can severely harm the blood vessel. Smokers are highly susceptible heart disease than non-smokers. So, quit smoking and keep your heart healthy and smoke free.
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- Healthy Heart Factors: The site provides complete information about different factors linked to heart related problems including age, sex, smoking, alcohol, and diabetes, etc.