Pumping nutrient-rich blood to all parts of the body, supplying oxygen while removing toxins and waste, the heart is undoubtedly a vital organ. And heart health is central to overall health. Experts say that most of us have a healthy heart and physical agility up until our 30s but things can change thereafter. Here are some important tips to keeping your heart healthy in the years to come.
Regular Exercise
Inculcating the habit of regular physical exercise in your routine is a great way of avoiding cardiac related illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of developing heart diseases. Exercise can be in any form, 40 minutes daily at least 5 times a week.
Sensible Diet
A diet rich in proteins and lean on carbohydrates and fat is recommended. This should be coupled with a healthy intake of dried fruits, five portions of fruit a day, minimum salt intake, good hydration, and alcohol in moderation.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is, by far, the worst enemy of the heart, responsible for several heart related ailments. A smoker is twice as likely to develop a heart attack compared to a non-smoker, and 3-4 times more likely to die from one, compared to a non-smoker.
Health Check-Up
Prevention is better than cure. So, once you are in your 30s, it is recommended that you undergo regular heart and health check-up at least once a year.
