Every individual is vulnerable to the possibility of developing heart-related illnesses, such as heart disease. The risk is much higher for those who have a family history of heart-related ailments, those who have elevated blood pressure or high cholesterol, men over the age of 45, women over the age of 55, those who do not get sufficient nutrition or exercise, those who are overweight, and those who have the habit of smoking.
What Are The Signs Of Poor Heart Health?
Several indications of declining heart health are often disregarded as ordinary and insignificant unease. Though one symptom alone might not be a sign of a failing heart, a set of symptoms occurring around the same time could be. These warnings could appear to be as commonplace as a stubborn cough, but accompanied by chest pain could indicate more serious underlying issues, such as an imminent heart attack.
The following are some symptoms that may seem normal or expected, but they are all worth monitoring to ensure the health of the heart:
- Any type of irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can show up as heart beats that are faster than normal, that skip a beat, or as a low resting heart rate.
- Pain or tightness in the torso, shoulder, or chest, especially if the intensity of the pain/tightness grows slowly
- Breathing difficulties while sleeping, sleep apnea, snoring, or insomnia
- Shortness of breath during ordinary activity or even when inactive
- Fatigue or waking up feeling insufficiently rested despite having slept throughout the night
- Feeling dizzy or faint, especially when moving into a standing or lying position
- Breaking out into a cold sweat even when inactive, especially if it occurs along with chest pain
- A cough that seems to never go away
- Sexual dysfunction, disinterest, and displeasure, as well as a reduction in the occurrence of sexual relations
- Jaw pain combined with other abovementioned symptoms, especially chest pain
- Aching gums
- Swollen ankles, feet, or legs
How Can You Improve Or Maintain The Health Of Your Heart?
Incorporate A Regular Routine Of Moderate Physical Activity – Walking or jogging on the spot, doing jumping jacks, skipping rope, or dancing are some examples of exercises that can be done easily on most days of the week. 10 minutes of movement is a good starting point, and once a routine is established, activity or duration can be increased to at least 30 minutes.
To stay on track with a regular workout, choose exercises that are enjoyable and do them at a personally preferred intensity; one person’s ‘moderate’ is another person’s ‘vigorous.’ Fitness can also be as calming as yoga, as youthful as playing hop scotch or paint ball, or as productive as doing housework, such as handwashing a car or vacuuming.
Move More In General – If a substantial part of the day is spent sitting on a desk chair or a couch, aim to take frequent breaks to stand, stretch, or walk. Consider switching to an exercise ball or working from a standing desk. Other small adjustments include choosing a parking spot far from a building entrance, taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator, and playing with your child or pet at the park rather than simply observing them at play.
Maintain A Healthy Weight Based On Age And Gender – Body Mass Index (BMI) calculators are available online to help determine the weight range within which the individual would be healthiest.
Check And Regulate Blood Pressure, Glucose, And Cholesterol Levels – Check these numbers on a regular basis based on gender and age to ensure that they are within the healthy ranges.
Place A Limit On Alcohol Consumptions – Strive to keep drinks to a maximum of two per day.
Avoid Smoking Or Being Exposed To Second-Hand Smoke.
Prevent Strees From Getting Overwhelming – When stress begins to affect breathing patterns, it can help to get distance from the stressor and to distract the mind by meditating, journaling, listening to music, dancing, watching a movie or a TV show, cooking, or doing any other preferred relaxing activity.
Choose Healthy And Whole Foods – Aim to maintain a diet that is rich in fiber, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, antioxidants, lean proteins, whole grains, and unsaturated fats. Also aim, as often as possible, to avoid added sugars and salt or to replace salt with spices and herbs.
Stay Hydrated – Consider keeping a water bottle at hand whenever possible, especially when outdoors. This method serves as a simple and regular reminder to drink more water. Tea and unsweetened fruit juices are other hydrating options that can be kept on hand while on the go.
Canoodle More Often – Take and enjoy any opportunity to kiss, hug, snuggle, or play with a significant other.
Laugh More !!! Find reasons to laugh – think funny thoughts, look at funny pictures, watch funny movies, or hang out with funny friends and play funny games.
Play With A Pet (Maybe Even Consider Owning One) – Animals can provide a feeling of security, offer companionship to keep loneliness at bay, show unreserved love, and present opportunities to exercise, play, and get outdoors more often.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Some studies have shown a connection between the health of the mouth and the health of the heart, which means maintaining clean teeth and gums goes beyond achieving fresh breath and preventing cavities.