In approximately every 40 seconds, an American will have a heart attack. About 14% of these attacks end in death. This makes cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in the United States.
Preventing heart attacks can be as simple as making healthy lifestyle choices. A poor diet, a lack of movement, and other unhealthy habits can all contribute to heart disease. Here are some ways to avoid cardiovascular disease anyone from any age can benefit:
Control your blood pressure
Hypertension continues to be the leading cause of heart disease. Changes in blood pressure are often caused by several medical and lifestyle factors. This includes genetic predisposition, poor eating habits, inactivity and stress, among many others. Blood is circulated around the body via our vascular system. In order for this to happen, our blood requires a certain pressure, which is called “blood pressure.”
High blood pressure or hypertension happens when the pressure in the heart arteries exceeds a certain limit. When it does, the pressure damages the blood vessels. This then increases fat accumulation, which in turn causes the heart to have to work harder to supply the body with oxygen-rich blood. What happens when insufficient oxygen takes place is called a heart attack.
Improve oral health
One study shows that gum disease increases a person’s heart disease risk by at least 20%. Another survey also revealed that people who received adequate care for their gums had up to 40% less heart care costs.
Any good dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona can tell you the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. Bacteria buildup around the oral cavity leads to the blockage of blood vessels. To improve gum health, regular brushing and flossing are required. These are, of course, on top of consistent professional teeth cleaning and dental checkups.
Get Regular Exercise
The benefits of physical activity extend beyond weight loss or weight management. Many studies have shown the importance of exercise in reducing many health risks for Americans of all ages. One of which is heart disease.
Regular participation in physical activity helps lower cardiovascular risks by strengthening the heart muscles and improving blood flow. Any moderate physical exercise for at least 30 minutes for five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity at least three times per week, is critical.
Manage stress
Stress is a normal part of everyone’s life. But if left unmanaged, stress can cause a lot of problems. These include psychological, emotional, and physical risks. Chronic stress can trigger behaviors and factors that increase the risk of heart attacks. People react to stress differently. Some start drinking too much, smoking too much, or overeat to try to manage stress. Unfortunately, these habits increase blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.
Studies around psychological and social therapies see promising results in the prevention of heart attacks. Enjoying a healthy diet, exercising, and maintaining a positive attitude are some good ways to manage stress.
Have a healthy diet
Unhealthy food-related risk factors include high blood pressure and obesity, which, as discussed above, can lead to cardiovascular disease. Many overweight and obese individuals have diets that are particularly high in saturated fat. This kind of fat tends to increase bad cholesterol, leading to plaque forming in their arteries. Paying attention to what you eat is a crucial preventive measure.
There is no “magic” food to decrease the likelihood of coronary heart disease. However, food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, fruits, and vegetables have shown to protect the heart against diseases.
As the leading cause of death in the United States, you should take precautionary steps to avoid increasing your risk of a heart attack. Maintaining a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and improving oral health are some simple ways to do just that.
