Harmful Lifestyle Habits for Your Heart [Ask a Cardiologist]
Any cardiologist will tell you that if you want to live a long and happy life, you should treat your heart well. Every person wants to have a healthy heart but still, heart disease affects many people in the United States. The good news is that there are several things you can do that can help keep your heart healthy for many years. This also involves making lifestyle changes.
Health tips from a cardiologist
A person can significantly lower the likelihood of having any type of heart disease by adhering to healthy lifestyle habits. However, there are some things that people do that can have a negative impact on the heart. It is immensely beneficial for people to be aware of harmful lifestyle habits that can negatively affect the heart and then make changes to their routines. Here are some harmful habits for the heart and how to avoid them.
Smoking
Smoke from not only cigarettes but also cigars and pipes is bad for the heart and arteries. If a person smokes, quitting is highly encouraged. Even exposure to secondhand smoke is not ideal. Secondhand smoke is toxic, therefore, it should be avoided whenever possible.
Heavy drinking
For many people, moderate drinking is not bad. In fact, a daily drink may help the heart. Drinking small quantities of alcohol may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, more than one to two drinks a day for men and more than one for women is not recommended. Heavy drinking can lead to heart failure and high blood pressure.
Being inactive
Sitting for long periods of time is not good for the heart. People who avoid moving around and tend to sit for hours have a higher risk of heart failure compared to their counterparts with an active lifestyle. It is highly advisable for people to sit less and move more due to the benefits. For people whose jobs involve sitting at a desk all day, getting up and walking around for a few minutes at least once an hour is recommended. The small change in routine can keep blood flowing properly and arteries flexible.
An active lifestyle and exercise are vital to heart health. These can help prevent heart disease together with many other serious conditions. Exercising regularly can help strengthen the heart and blood vessels and can reduce blood pressure. Aerobic activities like jogging, swimming, cycling and brisk walking are good for cardiovascular fitness. However, a person should always check with the doctor if it is ideal to start an exercise program.
Takeaway
You probably know that eating a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis is beneficial to the heart. However, you could still be undermining your efforts with some common bad habits. Some harmful lifestyle habits include smoking, drinking too much alcohol and being inactive. Aside from damaging the heart, these habits can also cause many other serious problems. This is why you should avoid tobacco, always exercise and be active and if you drink, limit your intake. If you want to learn more about habits you can take up for a healthier heart, talk to a cardiologist.
Get more information here: https://boyntonbeach.floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 229-1411
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Coronary stents improve the blood flow to the heart. When blood flow is restricted, it is usually a result of heart disease or blocked or narrowed arteries. These conditions can lead to serious, life-altering side effects. Fortunately, coronary stents can significantly decrease the risk of said side effects with a minimally invasive procedure.Coronary stents are…
Concerned you may need an angioplasty soon? Read on to learn more about this procedure. Treatments like angioplasty might be recommended after an echocardiogram, which is also informally known as an echo. An echo is an ultrasound procedure that uses sound waves to examine the function and structure of the heart. It is used to…
Cardiology refers to the medical study and treatment of the cardiovascular system's external and internal structures and any conditions affecting it. Many people seek this medicine branch only through a recommendation or when a problem occurs. However, taking a proactive approach through regular checkups with a cardiologist can prevent issues before they occur, empowering you…
Heart failure results from damage to the heart that has developed over time and cannot be cured. However, heart failure treatment is available to improve or manage symptoms and overall quality of life. The following comprehensive guide can provide a clear and concise overview of available treatments, preventive measures, and a multidisciplinary approach to managing…