February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, and it can happen at any age. Now is the ideal time to assess your heart health and consider what you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease. Begin by reading our doctors’ tips for a healthy heart.
Here are five tips from our naturopathic doctors on how to support your heart:
Quit Smoking
The American Heart Association says cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 2.4 million annual preventable premature deaths in the United States. Smoking tightens arteries, resulting in irregular heart rhythms and elevated blood pressure.
Eat Healthy Food
Monitoring salt intake, saturated fats, processed sugars, and packaged foods lower the risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack. Eating nutrient-dense foods such as leafy greens, vegetables, and omega fatty acids commonly found in olive oil, fish, and avocado decrease your risk by modulating inflammation, decreasing lipid deposition in vessels, and help to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.
Get daily exercise
Individuals that live active lifestyles have significantly lower risks of developing heart disease than those who live sedentary lifestyles. At least 30 minutes of exercise per day, on most days of the week, is sufficient in maintaining a healthy fitness level.
Check your blood pressure often
Studies conducted by Harvard Medical School reveal people with regularly monitored blood pressure had more success at lowering it over time. High blood pressure damages arteries, which will cause them to eventually become blocked and prevent proper blood flow to the heart. High blood pressure can also cause blood vessels in the brain to clog or burst, resulting in strokes.
Know the signs of heart attack and stroke
For women, symptoms of heart attack can range from chest pain, jaw pain, and shortness of breath to nausea and vomiting. For men, the most common symptom is chest pain, jaw pain, and shortness of breath. Face drooping, or weakness, and difficulty with speech are signs of a stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must act quickly. Time is of the essence.
It’s time to get on top of your heart health. Call 480-588-6856 to schedule a FREE brief meet and greet with one of our naturopathic doctors to discuss assessing your risk factors for health disease and creating a plan to keep your heart healthy.