Tips On Reducing Heart Disease Risk

As the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S., heart disease is a major health concern. Fortunately, it’s possible to lower your risk of heart attacks and other ailments by making healthy choices. Here are a few smart strategies to employ to maintain good heart health.

Maintain Physical Fitness

Daily exercise benefits heart health in two ways. First, it reduces the risk of developing conditions that worsen heart health, such as high cholesterol. Second, it helps maintain a reasonable weight. Activity levels can vary according to age and ability, but most healthy adults can manage a half hour of moderate exercise each day. However, you should always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

Get Enough Sleep Each Night

Insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality can increase your risk of heart attack. Lack of sleep can also raise a person’s blood pressure, which is another heart disease risk. If you have trouble sleeping, try the following tips:

  • Don’t consume caffeine or alcohol immediately before bed
  • Avoid digital screens at least two hours prior to sleep
  • Set a consistent bed time and stick with it (even on the weekends)
  • Create a serene and peaceful setting in your bed room

If you still experience problems sleeping, consider scheduling a sleep study to determine whether there’s an underlying issue causing sleeplessness.

Take Steps to Reduce Stress

Stress is unavoidable in life, but too much of it can harm your health. Stress often leads to unhealthy behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, which can increase your risk of heart problems. It can also negatively affect blood pressure. If stress feels overwhelming, consult with a therapist or counselor to develop coping strategies. Things like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation can also reduce stress levels.

Your Partner in Heart Health

Regular health screenings are also important for heart health. With the DrOwl app, you can review information related to these screenings and other doctor’s visits right from the convenience of a mobile device. Everyone deserves easy access to healthcare records, and our secure telemedicine app provides essential data with the tap of a finger. Sign up for DrOwl today.