Your heart is one of the hardest working organs in your body, and it is essential for maintaining good health and wellbeing. As you know from medical research, CPR classes, and general common sense, protecting our heart is hugely important. The stress of everyday life, however, can make it hard for this to be a priority.
To help you out, we have some of the top tips from the American Heart Association (AHA) to keep your heart healthy—from obtaining first aid training in using an AED and a proper CPR technique, to the best foods to keep your heart in the best possible shape.
Get moving
Cardiovascular exercise is essential for maintaining good heart health, so it is vital to get your heart rate up and get moving whenever you can. Guidelines recommend between 15 and 30 minutes a day, but if possible, you should aim for more than this. Whether you are a runner, a swimmer, or a dancer, find something you love and start having fun working out!
Keep an eye on your cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is one of the top causes of heart damage and disease, and it is a symptom which is often attributed to a poor diet. To help prevent this, keep cholesterol levels down by watching what you eat. Foods which are high in cholesterol, trans fat, or saturated fats should be avoided. Instead, try options such as fruits and veggies, lean chicken or turkey, whole grains, and fat-free dairy products.
Keep your weight in check
Maintaining a good healthy weight is important for keeping your heart healthy. Any weight loss needs to be sustainable, healthy, and controlled. A crash diet may make you look thinner, but it can put a considerable strain on your heart and lead to problems elsewhere in the body. Aim to eat around 200-300 calories a day less, move your body, and you will find that you can lose weight, and keep it off.
Quit smoking
If you are a smoker, cutting this out is the best thing you can do to promote your heart health. Nicotine increases your heart rate, and smoking has been linked to heart disease and an increased risk of strokes, blood clots, and damage.
Speak to a medical professional or support group if you need help kicking the habit—every part of your body will thank you for it. Cold turkey can work for some people, or you can join a plan which helps to wean you off the cigarettes. However you go about it, make the choice to quit today.
Get checked out regularly
No matter your age, lifestyle, or fitness levels, it is a good idea to have an annual checkup, almost like a birthday for your body. Arrange to have blood pressure and glucose levels checked, as well as your cholesterol and current weight.
Get trained!
First aid and CPR training are a great way to learn a lifesaving skill as well as find out more about how your heart works. CPR classes are often held within your local community, so do some research and start learning!
