Healthy Heart – lower your risks of heart disease

When it comes to heart health, many people don’t realize the fact that they can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular problems very easily. This only includes making a few minor changes in their lives.

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in men and women, greater than the next five causes of death combined!

Fortunately, there are ways to significantly lower your chances of developing heart diseases and reverse the effects of a current heart condition you may have. Your diet, your lifestyle, your exercise regimen (or lack thereof) all play a major role in determining whether or not you will eventually become a statistic as well.

Learning the risk factors of heart disease is the first step towards lowering your chances of having a heart attack, stroke or a related cardiovascular problem. Although you may have a genetic predisposition, there are many dietary and lifestyle changes you can implement to not only reduce the risk, but actually reverse the damage of heart disease.

How do you lower your risk of heart disease?

Try to improve your diet by limiting trans fats, fast foods, fried foods and refined sugar. All of these increase your risk of heart disease by causing buildup in your arteries over time. Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids, a major heart health booster, via cold water fish or a fish oil supplement. Use extra virgin olive oil when cooking, as well as garlic. They can both lower cholesterol naturally.

Definitely start exercising regularly, at least 3-4 times a week, and get your blood flowing. This furthermore ensures that a fresh supply of blood is being circulated in your body. Lack of exercise may decrease energy levels which you need to function properly. This demonstrates a major risk factor for heart diseases.

Oftentimes we don’t get the nutrients we need from our diets. Manufacturing and processing methods deplete our foods before they even arrive at the market. As such you might want to supplement some of the important vitamins, minerals, Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients you may be lacking.

Lastly, try to stop the bad habits. Smoking is one of the leading heart disease risk factors, second only to obesity. If you currently smoke, do whatever you can to quit and avoid second hand smoke as well. Don’t drink excessively, alcohol can cause cardiovascular problems. Try to reduce stress and anxiety as much as possible. Perhaps most importantly, keep your weight within recommended ranges. Obesity tops the list of risk factors for heart disease. The excess weight can really do some damage to your body!