Heart Healthy Living

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. However, most heart disease can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes. A nutrient-rich diet plays an important role in the prevention of heart disease, along with exercise and weight loss management. 

Our team at Advanced Cardiovascular Consultants in Chardon, Ohio wants to see you live a heart healthy life. You can, but you have to be ready to make a few simple changes.

Diet

Don’t know where to begin your healthy diet? Begin with knowing what foods you should and shouldn’t eat. Foods to eat include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Foods to avoid are foods high in fat and sodium, such as red meat, cheese, and processed foods.

Now that you know what to eat, create a daily, weekly, or monthly menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stick to it. You can also prepare meals in advance to prevent transgression. If you’re still uncertain where to begin your healthy diet, speak to one of our cardiologists at Advanced Cardiovascular Consultants in Chardon, Ohio and they will help you get started.

Exercise

Physical activity is an important component of heart health, both in preventing and improving cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week (or a combination of both).

Even if you have a weak heart, there are safe exercises you can do, such as cardio in the form of brisk walks. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. A cardiologist at our office can help you find a schedule that fits your health condition.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle habits can contribute to heart disease. You most likely know that smoking can harm your heart and every organ in your body. Fewer people are aware that drinking also plays a role. Too much alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke and other diseases.

Stress can also play a role in heart disease. More medical research is needed to determine how stress can cause heart disease, but stress exposes your body to heightened levels of stress hormones, such as adrenaline.

Stressful situations may also cause lapses in healthy choices, such as smoking and poor diet. Once you have noticed signs and symptoms of stress, you can relieve stress by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and managing your time to make life easier.

To decrease your risk of heart disease or stroke, make it a priority to stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake (or stop altogether), and learn ways to manage your stress.

Beginning your heart healthy lifestyle can be a challenge, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call Advanced Cardiovascular Consultants at (440) 285-2300 today for a consultation or request one online.