Small Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Improve Heart Health

More Americans die of heart disease than anything else (Image via Pexels @Puwadon Sangngern)
More Americans die of heart disease than anything else (Image via Pexels @Puwadon Sangngern)

Taking care of your heart should involve being attentive to emotional concerns as well as paying heed to your heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women, and according to the CDC, you can start making small changes from today itself.

You can start making small lifestyle changes today to improve your heart health. Read on to find out how.


How to Improve Heart Health

Here's how you can make small lifestyle changes to improve your heart health:

1) Eat Healthy

The American Heart Association says that anyone can help prevent heart disease by opting for healthier meals and snacks. Easiest way to achieve this goal is by selecting whole, natural foods over processed ones. Fibrous foods that are low in saturated and trans fats are also beneficial for heart health.

Adults who drink alcohol should do so in moderation, with no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. You can try following the cardiac diet.

A heart healthy diet is of the utmost importance in dealing with heart disease (Image via Pexels @Foodie Factor)
A heart healthy diet is of the utmost importance in dealing with heart disease (Image via Pexels @Foodie Factor)

2) Maintain a Healthy Weight

The struggle to maintain a healthy weight is a perennial source of stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns those who are overweight or obese of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

To maintain good heart health, you need to maintain a healthy weight.


3) Stay Active

Being physically active makes it easier to maintain your weight. It also reduces both blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, making it easier to maintain your health.

Every week, you should try to get in at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity. Aim for daily physical activity of at least one hour, which is especially ideal for children and teenagers.

Exercise is the single most important factor apart from nutrition in maintaining your health (Image via Pexels @Nathan Cowley)
Exercise is the single most important factor apart from nutrition in maintaining your health (Image via Pexels @Nathan Cowley)

Consult your physician about safe and effective ways to begin exercising if you currently do not. Specifically, you can also do exercises to strengthen your heart.


4) Quit Smoking

You need to quit smoking and ditch the tobacco for good in order to maintain your health. A person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening illnesses increases significantly if they smoke or chew tobacco.

If you smoke, talking to your doctor about potential treatments for quitting is a good idea.

Smoking is extremely detrimental for health (Image via Pexels @Irina Iriser)
Smoking is extremely detrimental for health (Image via Pexels @Irina Iriser)

5) Control your Health Issues

You should not put off dealing with health problems as this can be detrimental to your heart health. Scary as it may be, knowledge is preferable to ignorance. If you want to take preventative measures against heart disease, discuss them with your doctor.

You should also look out for metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. You should strictly adhere to your doctor's directions if you are taking medication for any of these conditions.

If your doctor has prescribed a certain medication, do not stop taking it without first discussing it with your doctor.


6) Get Enough Sleep

A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining good health. You should get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, but more than a third of Americans say they do not get this amount.

High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are all linked to insufficient sleep, and all increase the danger of cardiovascular diseases.


In conclusion, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid food and drink for several hours before bed, and engage in sufficient physical activity during the day to maintain good heart health.