Tips from Cardiologists to make a difference in your heart health
Yes, you are aware of the basics already – say no to smoking, lay off the fatty steak. But have you ever wondered when cardiologists head home from clinic, hanging up their stethoscope for the day what they actually advice about heart health to their friends and family?
Here are a few tidbits which may sound familiar Keep a track of your numbers: Knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol level is important. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether or not your blood pressure and cholesterol level are alarming.
Stay away from sugar: Excessive sugar intake triggers multiple health problems, ranging from excess weight gain to rise in blood pressure and even triglycerides. For the uninitiated; triglycerides is a type of fat that circulates in the blood and increase the risk of heart disease.
Limit your consumption of added sugar, syrups and more: The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends restricting your intake of added syrups and sugars to 100 calories a day for women and 150 calories a day for men.
Stay away from drinking the calories: Choose fresh fruits and vegetable instead of sugar enriched juice. Also try to satiate thirst with water; instead of soda.
Limit your salt intake: The Cardiologists in Orange County often instruct patients to replace salt with pepper, or with any other distinctive flavor or spice which they may like.
Identify a particular physical activity, which you enjoy: Identify a particular physical activity that you enjoy so that you stick to it willingly.
Keep your weight in control: Yes; it is all about moderation. For instance; occasional eating a bit of red meat is not a problem however eating in an excess amount is a problem.
Remember, chocolate is anything but medicine: Well; we may love to believe that eating chocolate shields the heart however this is not a proven fact.
Embrace potassium enriched fruits and vegetables wholeheartedly: Eat vegetables and fruits that are high in potassium, unless you are suffering from any type of kidney disease.
Don’t stress: Meditation and exercise are some of the proven ways of dealing with stress.
Sleep well: Yes, sleep is absolutely important for your mind and heart health.
Focus on the 7 factors that may have the biggest impact on your heart health. These are: • • • • • • •
Losing excess weight and maintaining healthy weight Eating more fruits and vegetables and whole grains Getting active Managing your blood pressure level Reducing the blood sugar level Quit smoking Manage and reduce the blood cholesterol level
According to cardiology specialists of Orange County making positive changes in all these areas can actually make a difference in your heart health.