Heart problems are a growing concern for Americans. In fact, heart problems are such a concern that they are actually the number one cause of death in America according to a study performed by The Heart Foundation. Although prescription medication can help those who have already been affected by heart disease, the best thing to do is prevent heart problems altogether. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your heart healthy. Check out these lifestyle changes you can use to reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Keep Your Heart Healthy by Reducing Non-Natural Sugars
Sure, it’s important to reduce sugar intake. When sugar is digested, it turns to fat. And, fat should only be about 10% of our daily intake. So, all in all, sugar is something that we can consume as humans. But, it’s something that should definitely be regulated. Along with sugar moderation, humans who are trying to keep healthy hearts should also regulate non-natural sugar intake. While natural sugars can be digested easily, added sugars like high fructose corn syrup cannot. Try reducing the number of sugary drinks and foods are consumed. If you have a sweet tooth and are having trouble eliminating or reducing sugar from your diet, try implementing the natural sweetness of fruits into your daily diet!
Keep Your Heart Healthy by Exercising More
When your heart is weak, it won’t perform the way it should. The heart is a muscle, and as such, it can get stronger with exercise. When you work out, your heart works out too. Exercise causes an increased heart rate to compensate for the need to transfer of oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Increasing the heart rate through exercise is recommended three times a week for at least half an hour. But, even light exercise can help to keep your heart healthy. To implement more exercise into your daily schedule, try parking farther away in parking lots so that you’re forced to take some extra steps. If you want to take walking even further, try swapping out your car keys for your walking shoes and walk to the store, work, or on other errands. If you don’t like walking, try a gym membership. Most facilities implement easy, moderate, and advanced classes for individuals who want to work on heart health!
Keep Your Heart Healthy by Reducing Salt Intake
Those with high blood pressure are at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases. This is because high blood pressure adds more stress and pressure on the heart. To reduce your risk for high blood pressure and, in turn, your risk for heart disease, lower your salt intake. Salt can increase high blood pressure because when there is too much salt digested, the body compensates by holding onto water. This over-storage of water is held in the blood and results in the body having to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. So, swap out your salty snacks for something more heart conscious.
Keeping Your Heart Healthy by Taking Daily Prescription Medications
It’s fortunate that those who have not been diagnosed with heart disease can still reduce their risk and prevent heart attack or stroke. But, for those who have already been diagnosed with a heart disease, it’s even more important to implement these lifestyle changes. And, additional to making healthy decisions throughout daily life, these individuals should also take their prescribed medication. But, for many, the costs of heart medications can be debilitating. If you or a loved one needs help to afford the cost of their heart disease prescriptions, The RX Helper may be able to help. Give us a call today at 877-767-3297 to find out how.