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Heart: Simple steps to ensure good cardiac health

The heart is the center of the cardiovascular system. This organ, which is the size of a closed fist, is responsible for supplying blood to various parts of the body. Considering the importance of the task it performs, the heart deserves special attention and care to ensure that it functions smoothly.

Cardiovascular professionals around the world offer some suggestions to help one keep their heart in good health. Some of them are:

  1. Quit smoking

Even one cigarette a day dramatically increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious conditions.

  1. Regular exercise to train the body to handle stress.

Just 30 minutes of brisk walking reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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  1. Watch and manage weight

Normal body mass index (BMI) ranges from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2. A BMI higher than 27 is considered overweight, while a BMI higher than 30 indicates obesity.

  1. Intake of a heart-healthy diet

Prioritize foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes such as chickpeas and lima beans

  1. Know your family history and get tested

Ask your doctor about the ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) blood test. Elevated us-CRP levels are related to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and restenosis of coronary arteries after an interventional procedure.

  1. Manage diabetes

People with diabetes, especially women, are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease because diabetes increases other risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Keeping diabetes under control is essential to maintaining a healthy heart.

  1. Monitor your blood pressure

Normal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mm/Hg. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Those diagnosed with high blood pressure must aim to lower their blood pressure to less than 140/80 mm/Hg. Those with high blood pressure along with diabetes or kidney disease must aim to bring their blood pressure down to less than 130/80 mm/Hg. To learn which blood pressure level is right for you, consult your doctor.

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  1. Monitor your cholesterol levels

Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/ dL. LDL cholesterol, the ‘bad’ cholesterol, should be under 130 mg/dL for most people. LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL for those with a high risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, such as some patients with diabetes or those who have multiple risk factors. For patients who already have cardiovascular disease, the goal may be less than 70 mg/dL. To know which cholesterol level is right for you, you can consult your doctor.

Simultaneously, along with keeping a healthy heart, make sure that you know the symptoms of a heart attack. You are advised to seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms for longer than five minutes and they are not relieved by rest or medication: pain or discomfort in the center of the chest or other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness. Seeking treatment should not be delayed at all.

Remember: It is never too late to take your heart health seriously and make it a priority.

Sources:

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyhearts/Pages/Healthy-heart-tips.aspx
  2. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/cardiologists-guide-to-a-healthy-heart?page=2
  3. https://www.bcm.edu/news/heart/experts-share-heart-healthy-tips2014
  4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ccf/media/Files/heart/09-HRT 015%20Heart%20Tips%20Flyer_v3.pdf?la=en