Daily Habits for Ultimate Heart Health

Most people know that eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise are good for your heart, but have you ever wondered what else you can do to keep your heart in good working condition? With a little education and a lot of dedication, adopting these daily habits can go a long way in keeping your heart strong and healthy.

Control stress levels.

Stress causes your blood pressure to spike. Even short stints of high blood pressure can damage your heart and blood vessels. Spending time in nature, going for walks, or talking with friends and family can help reduce your stress levels each day.

Limit alcohol intake.

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure, cause irregular heartbeats and contribute to cardiomyopathy, a condition that makes it hard for the heart to deliver blood to the rest of the body. To help limit alcohol consumption, stay mindful of when, where and why you’re most likely to drink. By doing this, you can help say no to temptations.

Avoid secondhand smoke.

Even if you don’t smoke, being around smoke can have major consequences. According to the CDC, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke as even brief exposure can cause immediate harm. Breathing secondhand smoke interferes with the normal functioning of the heart, blood and vascular system. The chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke can promote the development of plaque buildup in the arteries. Secondhand smoke is toxic. Avoid being exposed to it as much as possible.

Get enough sleep.

No one wants to feel tired each day, but getting adequate sleep goes further than just avoiding yawning and being groggy. Adults who sleep less than seven hours each night are more likely to report health problems, including heart attack, asthma and depression. If you have trouble falling asleep, try meditating or doing deep breathing exercises.

Be sure to read our Healthy Legs Matter blog for more tips on how to incorporate healthy practices into your lifestyle.