Heart health is something we often take for granted, but it's crucial to our overall well-being. Did you know that over 1.6 million Canadians are living with heart disease? That's why it's so important to understand the impact that heart conditions can have on our lives and take steps to keep our hearts healthy.
When we talk about heart conditions, we're referring to a group of issues that can affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disease, and aortic aneurysm. These conditions can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and even death, so it's important to know how to keep our hearts healthy and reduce our risk of these issues.
Two common risk factors for heart disease are hypertension and high cholesterol. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure in your arteries is consistently too high, putting extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Around 7 million Canadians have hypertension, so it's important to learn how to manage it. High cholesterol levels occur when there is too much cholesterol in your blood, which can build up in the walls of your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. In Canada, approximately 12 million people have high cholesterol.
But don't worry! There are many simple steps that you can take to maintain a healthy heart. Here are some tips to get you started.
Get Moving!
Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, most days of the week. This will help improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Eat for your heart
A diet that's high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and low in saturated and trans fats, can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Limit your intake of added sugars and sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease. Losing weight, even a small amount, can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Manage stress
Stress can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart disease. Find ways to manage stress, like meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
Get enough zzz's
Lack of sleep is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help keep your heart healthy.
Check-ins with your doctor
Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify potential heart health issues early on and allow for prompt treatment. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels is also important for maintaining heart health.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to keeping your heart healthy and reducing your risk of heart disease. And remember, heart health is a lifelong journey, so make it a priority to take care of your heart every day.
The Pillway care team is always here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about your heart health.
