3 Ways to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Good thing that there are a variety of different things that you can do to decrease your risk. Here are five such things.

1. Stop smoking. We have all heard time and time again that smoking is bad for you. But just how bad? When it comes to heart disease no amount of smoking is safe, even if you are only a “social smoker”. Even cigarettes with low nicotine levels or smokeless tobacco have been found to be just as dangerous as regular cigarettes. Each cigarette has over 4,800 chemicals in it. Most of these damage your blood and heart vessels and lead to narrow arteries and heart attack. Women who use the birth control pill are at a much higher risk for heart attack and the risk increases with age. Fortunately after one year of not smoking your chances of having a heart attack will start to decrease dramatically.

2. Keep your weight in check. Overweight or obese people are at a much greater risk for heart disease. In order to find out if you weigh is normal and healthy you need to calculate your BMI, or body mass index. If you have a BMI of 25 or higher you may be at a high risk for heart disease and strokes. Although a BMI can be a useful tool for adults it does not apply to pregnant women, children, adolescents, athletes, or adults over 65 years old.

3. Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in heart healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can do wonders for you heart. Limiting your intake of trans fats is also important. Remember that healthy diet does not necessarily mean a restrictive diet. Actually, by eating more you will be doing your heart a favor, you just need to make sure it is the right food that you are eating more of. Avocados, nuts, and fish are all good choices.

Along with leading a healthy lifestyle make sure you get regular check ups and health screenings. At least once a year you should visit your doctor who can measure your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. With heart disease prevention is key.