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Life is precious. Nobody wants to have an unhealthy heart, especially when you have great plans for life, people you love, and people who depend on you emotionally and financially. Now that cases of heart attacks and cardiac arrests have risen, it has become a grave concern for people.
People are beginning to realise that they cannot take heart health for granted. But did you know that there are certain things you could be doing that are harming your heart?
So, here is a checklist that you need to go through to ensure that everything you are doing is right
Habits that can harm your heart health
Watching TV
Sitting on your couch, watching television, can anything get better than this? Well, it is actually the opposite. If you are somebody who sits in front of the TV all day long, it’s time you should stop. A sedentary lifestyle is the biggest contributor to heart disease. Your body needs blood flow, physical activity helps increase that blood flow. A sedentary lifestyle does the opposite.
Taking depression for granted
Although we have come a long way, depression is still an issue we need to talk about. Taking depression for granted doesn’t only take a toll on mental health but also on heart health. Your blood pressure and heart rate rise when you experience anxiety or depression. Consequently, the blood flow reduces and your body begins to produce a higher amount of cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. All of this can lead to heart disease in the long run.
Not doing anything about snoring
Snoring can be more than just moments of inconvenience. It can point to a serious disorder, called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, which can ultimately lead to heart attacks. If you are somebody who snores often and wakes up tired, you must consult a doctor at the earliest.
Drinking excess alcohol
If your weekends look like drinking with friends, and weekdays look like drinking after coming back from work, you must know that excess consumption of alcohol can harm your heart. You may convince yourself by saying that alcohol is good, but it is only good for you if you consume it in moderation.
Smoking (including passive smoking)
It’s everywhere – on the billboards, in the magazines, on product packaging, that smoking is injurious to health. It does not only cause cancer but it is detrimental to your heart health. Not only smokers smoke packs of cigarettes a day, but passive smokers who inhale the smoke indirectly are also at risk. Smoking can cause blood clots, which can block blood flow to the heart, and cause plaque buildup in the arteries, all of which can lead to heart attacks.
Skipping medications
POV: You have had high blood pressure for a while, so you went to a doctor. The doctor gave you medications. You took them for a while, felt better and stopped taking those medicines thereafter without consulting your doctor. If this sounds familiar to you, you’re only risking your heart health. Blood pressure medicines are prescribed for a duration for a reason. You need to follow up with a doctor even if you feel fine after a while.
Consuming an excess amount of salt
Salt and blood pressure have a connection. If you consume a higher amount of salt, your blood pressure will rise. High blood pressure is one of the biggest contributors to heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Don’t just stay away from the salt shaker but processed food like chips and biscuits that can contain high amounts of salt. Eat clean, eat healthy. A plant-based diet full of fruits and vegetables are highly recommended for a healthy heart and overall well-being.
Closing thoughts
Our heart health is influenced by a multitude of factors, some of which may be surprising. It’s not just about avoiding the obvious risks like smoking and excessive junk food consumption; it’s also about paying attention to seemingly harmless habits that can gradually take a toll on our cardiovascular system. By staying informed and making small, positive changes in our daily routines, we can protect our hearts and lead healthier, happier lives. Remember, a little awareness can go a long way in safeguarding our most vital organ, ensuring that it beats strong for years to come.
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