Heart disease is a growing problem in the United States and across the world. In the US alone, over 610,000 people succumb to heart disease, annually. That’s 1 out of every four deaths each year! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The CDC estimates that at least 200,000 of the deaths related to heart disease and stroke each year are preventable deaths. So, what can you do to keep your heart at its best? Here are five tips for leading a heart-healthy life:

Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one key to heart health. Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for the development of heart disease. Being obese is also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which can also increase your risk of heart disease, independently of your weight.

Drink Modestly

Excessive alcohol consumption can actually damage your heart. Heavy drinking is known to weaken the heart muscle, reducing your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Too much booze also raises your blood pressure and can cause your heart to beat irregularly. Keep the drinking to a minimum and avoid binge drinking.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly is great for your heart, and for the rest of your body too. It is recommended that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for optimum heart health.

Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking is easily the best thing you could ever do for your heart. Smoking is known for being detrimental to your lungs, but people often forget that it destroys the rest of your body too — including your heart and cardiovascular system.

Eat Healthy

Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables provides many benefits to your body and your heart. Not only does a healthy diet help to reduce your risk of having a heart attack, eating well can also help boost your chances of survival if you do have one. Reducing your intake of salt and trans fats while increasing your fruit and vegetable intake is paramount to heart health. Following a healthy diet can help you manage your weight, too.

These are some of the best ways to prevent heart disease and keep your heart healthy for a lifetime.

Source:
courtesy of NATURALNEWS

by Vicki Batts

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