Here are different ways you can prevent heart disease – which is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
As a major cause of disability and the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease is a very scary thing. However, there are different ways you can prevent heart disease by making some simple lifestyle choices.
As you might know, I’m a bestselling author and happiness researcher. I wrote a book called Happy Habits.
In my research, I learned about how to stick to your commitment to do positive healthy habits – by following specific principals of “habit formation.”
If you want to prevent heart disease, I recommend you get my Happy Habits book – so you stay committed to embracing these health suggestions below.
Protect your heart and overall health. Start maintaining these recommended health habits.
Your blood pressure and cholesterol are two important factors to monitor in your quest to prevent heart disease. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, as high blood pressure can be the primary cause of many heart-related issues. Cholesterol can make this worse because a high cholesterol count clogs arteries and forces your heart to work harder to pump blood, thus putting you at greater risk for a heart attack. I share more about this in my bestselling longevity book, Life is Long.
The first step to regulating blood pressure and cholesterol is changing your diet if necessary. Limit foods high in sodium, saturated fats, or added sugars and instead focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating right is vital to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol while also improving your body. As an added benefit, you’ll likely feel a lot better in general once you begin eating better.
Aerobic exercise is highly recommended for preventing heart disease, as it’s both accessible and effective for increasing blood flow which will improve circulation and strengthen your heart. Aerobic exercise is also easy because you need only devote about half an hour per day towards cardio, and home gym equipment is readily available for added convenience.
Sleep is a bigger factor in preventing heart disease than you might think. Adults require seven to nine hours per night for an adequate amount of sleep to keep healthy and refreshed. A lack of sleep will leave you feeling sluggish and more easily stressed. If you struggle with sleep-related issues like sleep apnea, you should visit your doctor to seek out a solution.
Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking are two different ways to prevent heart disease. Limiting alcohol will lessen weight gain and prevent your blood pressure from rising, but you can still indulge in one or two drinks. If you don’t smoke, simply don’t start, but if you do have a habit, you should consider quitting. Luckily, there are many resources and forms of support to help you drop the habit, and the best place to start is with your doctor.
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