Introduction
Cardiology is the study and treatment of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. It’s a growing field, with many advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Say’s , Dr. Dennis Doan, the following cardiology tips will help you prevent heart disease and improve your overall health.
Heart Health Hacks: Cardiology Tips for a Stronger, Happier You!
Heart health is important for everyone, but it’s not just about blood pressure and cholesterol. Cardiology is the study of the heart and its function. Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in cardiovascular diseases, which include heart attacks (myocardial infarctions), strokes, congenital heart defects and other conditions that affect how well your heart works.
If you have concerns about your own cardiovascular health or that of someone you love–or if you’re just curious about what goes on inside those four chambers–this article will help explain some common terms used by cardiologists so that when they talk to each other they’ll know exactly what they mean!
Learn your risk factors.
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in the United States. Each year, nearly 800,000 people die from heart disease and about 80% of these deaths are preventable.
Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Knowing your risk factors for stroke can help you recognize symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible if you or someone you know experiences them.
The most common risk factors for heart disease include:
- Age (men over 45; women over 55) * Family history of heart disease or high cholesterol levels * High blood pressure * Diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2)
Have regular checkups.
Regular checkups are important to prevent and detect heart disease. They can help you stay healthy, as well as make sure that you’re on the right track with any medications or lifestyle changes.
The American Heart Association recommends that everyone age 20 and older have their first annual wellness visit with a doctor or nurse practitioner within the first year of being diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension). If possible, get regular checkups every six months after that point until age 55; then go yearly until age 65; after which point it’s recommended for men to get an annual physical exam and women to get one every other year.
Watch your diet.
Getting a healthy heart starts with what you eat. The American Heart Association recommends eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (at least 2 cups per day), whole grains (5-6 servings per day), lean meats and fish (2 servings per week), as well as limiting saturated fats and trans fats as much as possible. Foods high in cholesterol can clog arteries, so they should be avoided if at all possible: sugary drinks such as soda or fruit juice; red meat; butter; eggs yolks; full-fat dairy products like cheese–basically anything that comes from an animal!
This doesn’t mean you have to cut out all these foods completely–just try to limit them when possible. Also remember that alcohol can raise blood pressure so it’s best not overdo it here either!
Manage stress and sleep better.
Managing stress is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health. Stress can increase risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn can lead to heart disease.
Stress also disrupts sleep patterns, making it harder for you to get a good night’s rest. When you don’t get enough sleep or restful sleep, it’s hard for your body to recover from daily activities–and having a healthy heart means being able to deal with stressors without feeling exhausted all the time!
Luckily there are lots of ways that you can manage your stress levels so they don’t interfere with getting enough rest:
Invest in an activity tracker or fitness app.
If you’re new to the idea of tracking your daily activity, start with a fitness app. A good one will provide you with all the information you need to keep up with what’s happening in your body and how that can affect your heart health. Look for apps that offer easy-to-understand charts and graphs, as well as simple ways of recording data like heart rate and blood pressure (if applicable). Choose one that also encourages social interaction–it’ll help keep things interesting!
Once you’ve found an app that works well for you, consider investing in an activity tracker as well. These devices are designed specifically for this purpose: they track how much time we spend sitting down or sleeping at night so we know exactly where our bodies need improvement. Most come equipped with built-in GPS systems so they know exactly where we’ve been all day long; others have built-in thermometers so they can monitor our body temperatures regularly throughout the day (you’ve probably noticed how cold hands often accompany high stress levels). Either way it helps us stay aware of ourselves without having any extra effort put forth by ourselves beforehand.”
Conclusion
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. You can take action today with these heart health hacks that will help you lower your risk and live a longer, healthier life. We hope you found them helpful!
