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Heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests have become a major health concern in recent times. Several studies reveal that women are at a higher risk of diseases, especially heart ailments as compared to men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age.

Several factors together can contribute to the deterioration of the health of women and make them more susceptible to heart diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular diseases, which account for 17.3 million deaths annually, are the leading cause of death among women globally. With such statistics, it is essential to be more vigilant about one’s health and take the right measures to keep your heart healthy at any age. Therefore, we have brought you some easy and effective tips to keep your heart healthy.

Effective Tips To Keep Your Heart Healthy

1. Regular Physical Activity

The National Institutes of Health state that when done regularly, moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity strengthens the heart muscles. This further improves the heart's ability to pump blood to the lungs and throughout the body. As a result, more blood flows to the muscles, and oxygen levels in the blood rise, thus promoting heart health.

2. Heart Healthy Diet

The food we eat has the ability to directly impact our cardiovascular system. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet, which includes more vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lentils, nuts, fatty fish and oil among others. Consuming a heart-healthy diet can benefit blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and triglycerides.

3. Manage Weight

Another major factor that contributes to heart ailments is being overweight or obese. Obesity is a major factor in cardiovascular diseases in women. According to the National Institutes of Health, maintaining a healthy weight can help decrease heart-related diseases. If you are overweight or obese, you are at higher risk of developing serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.

4. Avoid Smoking

Quitting smoking and tobacco use can reduce the risk of diseases now and in the future. According to the Pan American Health Organisation, women smokers are more likely to experience infertility, premature births and miscarriage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocates that quitting smoking can reduce the risk for many adverse health effects, including poor reproductive health outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. benefits people already diagnosed with coronary heart disease or COPD. benefits the health of pregnant women and their foetuses and babies.

5. Regular Checkups

Regular health checkups can help in detecting various health problems in advance. Taking care of your heart and getting regular health checkups is the best way to keep your heart healthy. To monitor your heart health, your doctor may check your weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels regularly.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)