Do you sometimes stop to think about the health of the flesh and blood that keeps you alive? The one that beats to the rhythm of your emotions, your feelings, and your activities? Even if its presence is hardly felt, your heart deserves your full attention.
The heart, this vital organ that pumps blood, is characterized by a curious mixture of strength and fragility. Unfortunately, it is often when the heart begins to fail that one becomes fully aware of its importance. It is fundamental to take good care of it, and we must also think about preserving the blood vessels which work in concert with it to circulate blood throughout the body.
When it comes to cardiovascular health, it is clear that it pays to be smart. Adopting good preventive measures can save us from many remorse and regret.
When the heart suffers:
It can also experience many health complications. Blood vessels can also be damaged, risking their functional capacity.
Cardiovascular disease includes several different conditions, the most well-known of which are undoubted:
- Coronary artery disease
- Angina
- Myocardial infarction
- Stroke
- Heart failure
In addition to their impact on health and eminence of life, they can have serious consequences, including death.
Cardiovascular disease:
Cardiac disease is one of the most common and deadly health problems all around the globe. In fact, it is estimated that every seven minutes, a person succumbs to cardiovascular diseases, such as a myocardial infarction or a stroke.
Certain factors can predispose a person of any sex to have a cardiovascular problem. Such as:
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Stress
- Overweight or obesity
- Family history of heart disease and
- Certain diseases (diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome)
So you have a big role to play in keeping your heart and vessels healthy. Apart from heredity, sex, and age, the main cardiovascular risk factors can be modified and are, therefore, those on which prevention can act: cholesterol, high blood pressure, tobacco, and physical inactivity.
Prevention above all!
The code of “prevention is better than cure” applies very well to cardiovascular health. Prevention, whether initial or following a heart problem, will only be effective in the long term if a true culture of prevention is put in place.
Caring for your heart on a daily basis is within everyone’s reach. Here are some helpful tips:
- Eat healthily. Learn about the different elements of a healthy heart diet.
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and fish is beneficial for the health of your heart and vessels.
- Exercise regularly.
- Aim and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce your salt intake.
- Keep your cholesterol levels within the recommended limits.
- If you are living with diabetes, aim for excellent control of your blood sugar.
- If you have high blood pressure, make certain your blood pressure is well controlled.
- Take all of your medications regularly, even those that are prescribed as a preventative, such as low-dose aspirin.
- Reduce your stress level and learn to control it better.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all of the options available to you for preventing cardiovascular disease. Never start preventive treatment without first discussing the benefits and risks with your healthcare professional.
Keep your heart in good shape!
The health of your blood vessels and heart depends partly on your inheritance but also your lifestyle. Taking care of your cardiovascular health is within everyone’s reach, with a little discipline and willpower. So, do what you can do for the good of the organ that keeps you alive!