Each one of us wants a healthy heart. Despite of this, it has been found that out of 3 adults in US 1 suffers from cardiovascular diseases. To live a healthy lifestyle, you should change your daily routine habits. Read on to know all about the poor habits that can affect your heart and the effective ways to prevent them.
1. Watching TV
Sitting in front of the television for hours and hours is a serious matter of concern as it increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. This risk prevails even if you exercise regularly. According to Dr. HR Reynolds, the MD and Associate Director of Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center in New York, a little workout does not make any difference if you do sit for long. The reason for this is that when the movement is less, it surely affects the level of blood in sugar and fats.
Infact, Dr. Reynolds also mentions that walking from time-to-time is appreciable. While you are on a telephonic conversation, you can stand up and walk, rather than sitting.
2. Leaving hostility and depression unchecked
Do you suffer from the feeling of depression, stress and hostility? If yes, then you are likely to suffer from heart problems. Though, people say that all the moods and conditions are a part of life, but it is up to you that how you take a toll over such emotions. Dr. Reynolds tells that as per a research, the people who get carried by stress pose a danger to their heart while sharing a good laughter reduces the risk of heart diseases. Sharing your problems with a close friend is also helpful in this regard.
3. Ignoring the snoring
Snoring is a reason of annoyance for others. But, other than that it is also a signal of something that you have never thought of and this disorder is known as obstructive sleep apnea. The problem is associated with obstruction in breathing at the time of sleep and this gradually causes a rise in blood pressure of that person. People who are overweight or obese suffer from sleep apnea in majority, but those who are slim can suffer from this disorder as well.
4. Not flossing
There is a close relation between heart and gum disease, but the exact reason for this is unknown says Dr. Ostfeld. The bacterium keep on building up over time and forms a thick plaque, if you don’t floss them regularly, this ultimately leads to gum disease. The bacterium causes inflammation in the entire body which is a key factor in promoting atherosclerosis.
5. Withdrawing from the world
It is very common that on some days, the other people might seem irritating and annoying to deal with. You may feel low on the social front. But, you should try to make your bonds strong with those people whom you really like and adore. People who work on their social fronts and personal relations tend to have a healthier and a longer life than the ones who do not mix up well with others. You should try to keep in touch with your friends and family members.
6. You are either all or nothing
Dr. JS Hochman says that he has seen a lot of people in their 40’s and 50’s who come up with a decision of exercising regularly, but if they hurt themselves, they do not make another move to restart with the exercise and stop exercising. He says that when you exercise, you should go slow and steadily. Moreover, one should be regular with their workout routine.
7. Drinking too much alcohol
It’s correct that a little amount of alcohol while eating is good for heart. But, too much of alcohol causes a threat to your heart. When you take more alcohol, the blood pressure in turn increases along with a rise in the blood fat and you might end up with a heart failure. And the extra calories are the ones responsible for extra weight.
8. Overeating
Being obese and overweight is a major and the worst reason that contributes a lot to heart problems. According to the statistics, 64% and 72% of women and men respectively in US are overweight.
You should try to eat less. Infact, it is recommended that water should replace those drinks that are sugary. Dr. Hochman and Dr. Reynolds say that one should cut down high calories and carbs to keep heart disorders at a bay.
9. Assuming you are not at risk
Other than cancer and other illnesses, cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and stroke are the reasons that are responsible for deaths in the US. Do not always think that you are not prone to risk. High cholesterol and high blood pressure and being obese are a certain things that should be kept in constant check.
10. Eating red meat
Occasional consumption of red meat is ok, but a daily treat with red meat is not good for health at all. This is because red meat has a high content of saturated fat. Moreover, processed meat like hot dogs and bacon pose a threat to cardiovascular disease.
11. Being a health procrastinator
With the help of MD, check the blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. If the results show a peak in all these tests, you are at a risk of diabetes and heart disease. The risk of hypertension increases in the mid 50’s.
12. Living and smoking with a smoker
Smoking is injurious to health. Everyone knows this but no one pays a heed. Dr. Ostfeld claims that smoking is a complete disaster for heart and blocks the flow of blood to the heart.
13. Skipping or stopping meds
Pills are a reason for pain and side effects. And when a person feels better, he easily forgets to take his medicine which is not right. Just by saying that you are feeling better is not a reason for skipping medicines.
14. Avoiding vegetables and fruits
A healthy diet comprises of lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and protein. Junk food should be avoided. It has been seen that the people who consume 5 servings of fruits have a 20% lower risk of heart diseases.
15. Ignoring physical symptoms
If you witness a sudden problem while doing daily tasks like climbing up the stairs etc., do not take it lightly. Visit a doctor for a full check-up. It is good to take the required steps on time.
