How Does Lifestyle Affect Cardiovascular Health?
We live in a fast-moving world. Our busy lifestyles easily make us overlook our heart health. According to heart valve disease specialists, people hardly think about it unless they experience life-threatening cardiac arrests or a heart attack. But this must not be the case. Much can be done in everyday life to influence heart health immensely. We often ignore healthy life changes. Unfortunately, when we acknowledge them, it is too late. To better understand, one must know how lifestyle affects cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle Factors that Harm Heart Health
Some top culprits include
Alcohol
Alcohol damages the heart by causing
- Hypertension
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiomyopathy
Moreover, alcohol abuse can trigger a stroke.
Smoking
It is the second leading cause of poor heart health because
- It damages the artery lining.
- It causes the formation of plaque.
- In later stages, it might even narrow the arteries.
- Due to narrowed arteries, blood flow is reduced.
Over time, it can result in
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Arrhythmia
These conditions usually stem from declined blood flow.
Overeating
According to some of the best cardiologist in Hyderabad, binge eating accounts for one of the top causative factors for poor heart health. It may lead to obesity and overweight conditions. These are the two risk factors linked with poor heart health.
In addition, binge eating increases anxiety and depression. Moreover, it can also result in a poor sleep cycle, which also impacts heart health.
High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure, Stress
These are some of the risk factors associated with heart disease. Unfortunately, they all relate to each other. Stress causes high cholesterol and high blood pressure, resulting in plaque build-up. They also cause artery damage. These all harm the heart health.
No Physical Activity
Exercise and heart health are also correlated. Exercise strengthens the heart. It also keeps the heart working effectively. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle hampers heart health. If you do not exercise, the muscle of the heart deteriorates. As a result, it is less effective in pumping blood. This can amplify the risk of
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Other cardiovascular conditions
The best cardiologists in India recommend making a conscious effort to be physically active. These involve
- Riding a bike to work
- Brisk walking several times a day
- Using stairs frequently
- Swimming
- Jogging
- Dancing
Preventing Heart Risks
Preventing heart issues requires a few lifestyle adjustments. Here’s how one can support heart health
Exercise Daily
It keeps the heart healthy. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, improves blood circulation, and reduces stress. An active lifestyle makes all the difference.
Eat Healthy Food
Nutritious foods help in maintaining cholesterol and blood pressure and further prevent heart disease. An appropriate diet also ensures proper circulation of blood and proper working of the heart.
Hydration
Proper hydration is part of the equation here. Dehydration forces the heart to work hard. It increases blood pressure, as well as raises cholesterol levels. Drinking water throughout the day keeps the heart functioning well.
Manage Stress
High stress level negatively harms heart health. It elevates blood pressure. Moreover, it can amplify the risk of stroke and other heart diseases. These are all heart attack risk factors. Hence, one must look for ways to reduce stress. Some techniques that can help are
- Relaxation Techniques
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Indulging in hobbies
- Spending time with loved ones
Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol
Two significant risk factors for heart disease are smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Quitting smoking and curtailing the consumption of alcohol helps with heart health. Both these habits stress the heart, but quitting can minimize risk.
Conclusion
Inculcation of heart-healthy ways of living may significantly reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Stress management, exercising, eating healthily, and staying away from harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol can help with heart health. Taking proactive steps as suggested by these professionals, including the best cardiologist in India, Dr Raghu can work well for long-term cardiovascular wellness. He is an ace professional. You can even contact him for personalized guidance on boosting heart health.
