Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is important to have a healthy heart. This is especially true when you consider that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s estimated that around 697,000 people in the U.S. alone died from heart disease in 2020 and that one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease.

To help combat heart disease and spread awareness about the importance of preventing heart disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, February has been designated as American Heart Awareness Month.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Heart

To reduce the risk of heart disease, be sure to implement the following lifestyle and diet habits wherever you live in California:

• Exercise regularly: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease, so maintaining a healthy weight should be your goal. Furthermore, regular physical activity can improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve sleep, all of which benefit your heart health.
  
• Eat heart-healthy foods: Eating a balanced diet is essential to reducing your risk of developing heart disease. Avoid processed foods, high-sugar snacks, and saturated fats as much as possible. These types of foods are often high in cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
  
• Reduce stress: Stress causes several physical changes in the body that can increase your risk of heart disease. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can cause inflammation and raise blood pressure. To reduce stress, focus on activities that help you relax, such as yoga or meditation.
  
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat. If you choose to drink, keep it in moderation.
  
• Quit smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels, making them less efficient in delivering oxygen to the heart. As such, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Be sure to implement these lifestyle and dietary habits to improve your overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. For more health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store.