Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — February is National Heart Health Month. Do you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. claiming more lives than cancer and accidental deaths combined! And a new Cleveland Clinic National Survey finds many Americans are unaware that everyday habits can quietly damage their heart increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Your heart works hard every day, pumping nearly two thousand gallons of blood every day. But many of today’s lifestyles are pushing it to the limit.
“Things like obesity, growing rates of diabetes, other things are raising levels of heart disease,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, Director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital.
So how can you improve your heart health? Small changes in the kitchen can make a big difference.
Studies show garlic may help support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. And little things like rinsing canned foods can cut hidden sodium that drives up blood pressure. And also, when you eat matters. Research shows eating later at night may increase blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, all linked to heart disease.
A few more heart healthy tips — watch the air quality outside and inside your home. Pollution triggers inflammation linked to heart attacks and strokes.
Even if you exercise, sitting too long can still raise heart risk. Experts say moving every 30 minutes helps lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Short “micro-walks” throughout the day can boost circulation and help control blood sugar.
When you go to sleep matters too. A study found people who fell asleep between 10 and 11 p.m. had the lowest heart disease risk. The risked raised to 25 percent if you go to sleep after midnight.
Heat from hot showers or saunas improves blood flow much like light exercise. Taking care of your gums reduces inflammation that can travel through the bloodstream, and being cautious with supplements matters because some can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://newsroom.heart.org/file?fid=59a7145e2cfac2546cae1995
https://ancientnutrition.com/blogs/all/heart-health-tips
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/11/06/when-you-eat-matters-for-your-heart
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/wearable-gadgets-and-free-apps-support-your-health-journey
https://www.prevention.com/health/a63189227/cardiologist-recommended-heart-health-tips/)
