Your heart is the bigger and most vital muscle in your entire body, and it affects your overall health and well-being greatly. Because of this, preventative measures are so important to keep your heart ticking properly. Below are a few tips to help you improve your heart's health.
Exercise
Even in quick bouts, cardiovascular exercise is essential to your overall health. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, try making time during your work day to take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park at the far corner of the lot and walk.
Stop smoking
Smoking is the most preventable cause of heart disease, and remember that both primary and secondhand smoke inhalation can be damaging for your health. Luckily, your heart is equipped to repair itself quickly. After 10 years of not smoking, your heart will be as healthy as someone who has never smoked.
Cut back on salt
Although salt is delicious and in so much of what we eat, sodium takes a hugely negative toll on your blood pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder to pump blood. Try using fresh or dried herbs and spices instead of salt.
Get more sleep
Many studies have shown that individuals who sleep until they’re well rested have fewer heart conditions than people who don’t sleep well or enough. The recommendation? Sleep seven or more hours a night, and try to avoid caffeine after noon.
Have a glass of wine
Of late science has shown that a glass of wine a day, especially red wine, increases HDL (i.e. healthy cholesterol) levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. But, more is not better — don’t drink too much, as that can have negative effects.
