Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 17.9 million lives each year are taken by CVDs, which is about 32% of all deaths worldwide.
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels that include conditions such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and rheumatic heart disease to name a few.
- 4 out of 5 CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes
- 1/3 of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age
- Behavioural risk factors- unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, use of tobacco and alcohol
Don’t be heartbroken, CVDs are preventable!
It is rightly said, all aspects of your physical health are healthy when your heart is healthy. A healthy heart means a better quality of life and a bright chance to function at our best.
For most of us, preventing heart disease depends largely on our lifestyle. And, we have the power to improve our odds of living long and well.
Here are 7 natural ways of taking care of your heart health:
1 .Cut back on salt and sugar
High blood pressure can increase your risk of developing heart disease or a stroke. And how does that connect to salt and sugar? A diet high in salt can lead to high blood pressure and eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which can again, raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Indulge in regular exercise to remain active, maintain a healthy weight and release your happy hormones.
3. Learn to manage stress
Taking too much stress or living under pressure is another leading cause of CVDs. Try to find ways to destress on a regular basis. You can start with regular exercise as it helps release happy hormones or meditation or writing a journal. Find ways that work for you.
4. Eat the right things
The foundation of a healthy heart begins with healthy eating. Consuming the vitamins and minerals your heart needs can help in reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation.
5. Get enough sleep, daily
Regardless of your age, weight, smoking, and exercise habits, not getting enough sleep puts you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Sleeping too little or too much changes the way our body functions, affecting our blood pressure. To support better heart health make sure to get adequate sleep every night.
6. Stop smoking
Smoking is detrimental to heart health. Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack as opposed to non-smokers as smoking damages your arteries, reduces your blood oxygen levels and raises your blood pressure. By quitting smoking or avoiding it, you’re saving your heart from inevitable complications.
7. Keep your blood pressure under control
Lower your resting blood pressure to 120/80. Keeping your blood pressure under control is important because the higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, loss of mental function and dementia.
Want to learn more about natural ways of taking care of your heart health? Check out our blogs related to heart health or find a provider who can help you address your questions about natural ways of taking care of your heart health.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
