Most people think they don’t have to worry about their heart until they have a health scare – but the truth is, smart choices have to be consistent. So it’s time to start showing your heart some love on a daily basis! Why not adopt some of Qardio’s favorite healthy habits for a happy heart?
Maintain a heart healthy diet
Your risk of developing heart disease is heavily dependent on diet – and it’s been proven that consuming certain foods can increase or decrease your chances. Choosing the right foods is key – for example, salmon contains large amounts of omega 3-fatty acids and is known to contribute towards lower blood pressure and help prevent cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends including it in your diet at least twice a week.
Eat breakfast
For a moment, imagine how your car behaves when it’s running on empty – then think about your body in the same way. A healthy breakfast can give your body a morning boost and fuel it with energy that can be released throughout the day. Research has also shown those who eat breakfast are more likely to be within their ideal weight range compared to those who regularly skip breakfast.
Exercise regularly
Of course, staying fit and maintaining an active lifestyle is key to a happy, healthy heart. But did you know that doctors recommend at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each week? Combining a variety of different types of cardio is often a good idea. Varying your exercises helps you work different muscle groups, strengthening your whole body – plus you’re less likely to get bored. There are also endless other benefits that come with exercise, such as stress reduction and lower blood pressure – both of which contribute to maintaining a healthy heart.
Quit smoking
According to the American Heart Association, smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars greatly increases your risk of developing heart problems, including atherosclerosis — the build-up of fatty substances in the arteries. This can lead to coronary heart disease and stroke, as well as increasing your risk of peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm.
Manage stress
Learning effective stress-management techniques will put you on the path to good heart health – helpful methods can include deep breathing, focused imagery and biofeedback training, all of which are recommended by heart health specialists. However, daily meditation or a regular, relaxing exercise class such as pilates or yoga can also be very beneficial.
Get more sleep
Sleep is very important, and getting the balance right is key -with researchers claiming that too much or too little can have a significant effect on your heart health. Catching fewer than six hours of Zs a night has been proven to put your body under stress, increasing your risk of heart attack or a stroke. Get the recommended eight hours per night for optimum heart health.
Let Qardio’s family of products help guide you toward a happier healthier heart. Monitor your blood pressure with QardioArm, smart wireless blood pressure monitor and keep track of your weight and fitness goals with QardioBase, the only scale that smiles at you.
What changes are you going to make today for a happy, healthy heart? Let us know at www.facebook.com/getqardio or @getqardio.
