Blog: 10 Things You Can Do To Keep Your Heart Healthy

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. Too often people don’t know their ticker is less than healthy until it’s too late.

There is a wide range of symptoms associated with a heart attack and these symptoms do not always include distinct chest pain, especially in women. They can be subtle such as fatigue, heart palpitations, feeling light headed, nausea, heartburn; all symptoms that are associated with other ailments so it’s not always obvious when a woman is having a heart attack.

Some types of heart disease are genetic and difficult to detect but for the most part, heart disease can be avoided, in fact, 80% of heart disease is preventable according to the American Heart Association. What can you do to decrease your chance of suffering from cardiovascular disease?

• Eat healthy  It’s an obvious one but too many people have poor diets. Avoid foods with saturated and trans fat. Stay away from fried food! Eat the bad stuff once in a while but on a regular basis, indulge in fruits, veggies, super foods, foods high in antioxidants and fiber
• Exercise!!  Get your heart rate going with some cardio nearly everyday, strength train a few times a week and do some yoga 
• Do NOT smoke Seriously, do we even have to discuss this? 
• Keep your alcohol consumption moderate
• Keep your weight down That does not mean you have to be a skinny minny, just stay within a range that is healthy for your height and keep your waist circumference and BMI in the healthy zone 
• Go for regular check-ups Start young, even people in their twenties should get physicals
• Test your glucoseDr. Roshini Raj recommends that everyone have a glucose test for diabetes every 3 years because diabetes is a major cause of heart disease. She also says it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about taking the new LDL particle test
• Know your blood pressure Have your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar tested. Even a slight elevation of any one of these can double or possibly quadruple your risk for stroke but you can lessen that chance with proper care
• Know your family health history
• Get busy in the bedroom Intimate sex and loving affection are very good for your heart as well your over all mental and physical well being

Kelly Bonanno blogs at Savvy Suburban.