5 Lifestyle Habits That Support Heart Health at Every Age

February is recognized nationally as American Heart Month, a perfect time to focus on your heart health.  

Heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States, and high blood pressure is the top cause of heart disease, which half of United States residents have. Managing heart disease can also drain your time, emotions, and financial resources. 

It’s never too early or late to focus on caring for your heart. So, in light of American Heart Month, our team, led by Charles Stone, MD, at HealthStone Primary Care Partners in Hollywood, Florida, wants to provide you with some simple practices you can adopt at any age to protect your heart. 

1. Eat healthy 

Focusing on eating nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes can improve your heart health, maintain a healthy weight, and optimize cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 

It’s also vital to avoid consuming large quantities of sodium, sugar, red meat, and saturated fats. In addition to protecting your heart, this helps reduce your risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes, two conditions that often lead to heart disease. 

2. Exercise regularly 

Working out can feel intimidating, especially if you need to exert yourself intensely every day to reap any of the benefits. This simply isn’t true. You can try walking briskly or lifting hardcover books rather than weights to meet activity requirements. 

Start slowly and increase your exercise to 20-30 minutes about three times per week as you become more comfortable. Anything that gets your heart rate going can count towards exercising regularly. 

3. Make healthy lifestyle choices

If you smoke or use any other type of tobacco products, it’s time to quit those habits. Even inhaling secondhand smoke can severely impact your heart health.

In addition, we recommend limiting your alcohol consumption. Men should have no more than two drinks daily, and women should limit their daily intake to one. 

Managing chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol is also key to ensuring they’re not adversely affecting your heart. Annual physicals are also critical to healthy living, so don’t skip yours.

4. Wash your hands

Common viruses and diseases such as the flu, pneumonia, and other infections can put your general wellness and heart health at serious risk. A great way to avoid contracting these conditions is to wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible. 

5. Think positively

Low stress and feelings of positivity are linked to a stronger, healthier heart and longer life. On the other hand, high stress and feelings of anger can cause high blood pressure and heart disease. 

Try encouraging positive thoughts by writing in a gratitude journal or pausing throughout the day to reflect on what’s going well in your life. 

To learn more about how to care for your heart or to schedule a primary care visit for a heart checkup, call our office or use our online booking feature today.