Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels are known as cardiovascular illnesses. Almost half of all adults have some heart disease. You may change your lifestyle, or your doctor may recommend medication, to manage cardiovascular disease. The earlier cardiovascular disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death. It contributes significantly to impairment as well. Numerous factors can increase your risk of heart disease. They are known as risk factors. Some of these are beyond your control, but many are. Learning about them can help you reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
- It would help if you did not smoke or use tobacco
Reducing your tobacco use or smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Even if you don’t smoke, you should avoid second hand smoke.
Tobacco contains chemicals that can harm the heart and blood vessels. Cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, raising blood pressure and heart rate because the heart has to work harder to give enough oxygen to the body and brain.
But there is some good news. As soon as one day after stopping, the chance of developing heart disease starts to decrease. After a year of not smoking, the risk of heart disease is around half that of a smoker. You’ll start reaping benefits when you quit smoking, no matter how long or how much you smoked.
- Get plenty of rest
Obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and depression are all increased in people who do not get enough sleep.
Most adults require at least seven hours of sleep every night. Make it a routine in your life to obtain adequate sleep. Set a sleep pattern for yourself and adhere to it by going to bed and waking up at the exact times every day. Maintain a quiet, dark bedroom to aid in falling asleep.
If you believe you’ve been getting enough sleep but are still exhausted during the day, ask your doctor if you should be tested for obstructive sleep apnea, which increases your risk of heart disease.
The symptoms of disruptive sleep apnea include loud snoring, breathing halting for short periods of time during sleep, and gasping for air when you wake up. Obstructive sleep apnea treatments may involve decreasing weight if you are overweight or using a continuous positive airway pressure device to keep your airway open while you sleep.
- Consume alcohol in moderation
Excessive alcohol use might elevate your blood pressure. Additionally, it adds calories, which could cause weight gain. Both of them increase your chances of developing heart disease. Alcohol consumption should be limited to one drink for women and two for males per day.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity or being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease. This is primarily due to their association with other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These dangers can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight.