Increase Your Heart Health With These Five Tips

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy heart. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, and include some form of aerobic activity as well as strength and flexibility training. In addition to cardiovascular exercises such as running, walking or swimming, focus on certain activities like yoga or tai chi that can improve breathing and help reduce stress in your body and mind.

Reduce Stress Levels

Stress is one of the leading causes of poor heart health so it’s important to find ways to manage it in a healthy manner. Take the time each day to practice deep breathing exercises or do things you enjoy like reading a book or listening to music. Talk to friends or family members about how you’re feeling and seek professional help if your feelings become overwhelming or affect your wellbeing over time.

Quit smoking

Smoking is one of the most damaging habits you can have when it comes to your heart health, so if you are a smoker, quitting should be your first priority. Smoking not only increases your risk of developing various types of heart disease, but also causes damage to the blood vessels and accelerates the death of cardiac cells. Quitting smoking can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Eat chocolate

Eating chocolate has been found to have many positive effects on heart health. Studies suggest that dark chocolate may help reduce bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol levels in people with high blood pressure or diabetes. It also helps prevent clot formation and helps relax arterial walls, reducing stress on the heart muscle which reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Eat heart-healthy foods

Eating healthy plays an important role in heart health. Focus on consuming lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet to help keep your cholesterol levels down. Avoid processed foods high in saturated fats, added sugars and salt, which can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure.