Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in the U.S. each year.
In this, the second in a two-part series honoring Heart Awareness Month, we’ll share three ways to minimize your risk of a heart attack.
1. Maintain a healthy diet.
How you eat plays a big role in your long-term health. This is especially true when it comes to your heart. A diet that is heavy in sugary drinks or greasy fast food is hard on your heart, often causing high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Balance your diet with plenty of water every day in addition to green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. Snack on foods that are rich in healthy fats like avocados or nuts.
2. Stay active.
An active life is a healthy life! You don’t need to invest in an expensive gym membership, either.
Simply stay active for at least 30 minutes a day, a few times a week. If you’re out of shape and you want to build up your stamina, start small. Try 10 or 15 minutes of exercise a day, then work your way up to 30 minutes. Regular exercise conditions and strengthens your heart. It can also help you shed extra pounds and will assist in lowering your blood pressure.
3. Know your family history.
Unfortunately, heart disease can run in families.
If someone in your family has had a heart attack or has been diagnosed with heart disease, talk to your doctor. Not all heart diseases are genetic, but it’s still important to discuss any known history so you can know if there are any risks present.
Keeping your heart healthy is the most effective way of minimizing your risk of a heart attack.
Our team at Broadway Medical Clinic is committed to your heart health. Make sure you schedule your annual preventative wellness appointment so we can discuss your heart health as well as any other concerns you might have.