There has been a spate of heart-attack-related deaths, especially post Covid pandemic times. While many young have fallen prey to death due to heart attacks, the aged population is also at risk of heart attacks. It is always good to listen to your heart and take care of it. If you already have heart issues, then follow the doctor’s advice. However, there are a few other ways to ensure a HEALTHY HEART.
A healthy diet is integral to a healthy heart regime. Did you know there are surprising and simple ways to reduce the chances of getting heart disease? A few of them are listed below:
Laughter
It is good for our health, and we know this rather hilariously because of Dr Asthana played by Boman Irani, from the hit film Munnabhai MBBS. Indeed, laughter is good for your heart. It seems laughter dilates your blood vessels by 22%, which helps in blood circulation and reduces blood pressure. And when blood pressure is regulated, your heart remains healthy. It is always good to watch comedy shows or films.
Sleep
Lack of sleep affects our health in many ways. As people age, it affects their sleep. However, you can easily find a few valuable tips to help find good quality sleep. Your chances of getting heart disease rise by 48% if you do not sleep enough. However, your risk of heart disease increases by 38% if you sleep too much also. The key is to get around 7-8 hours, to maintain a healthy sleep pattern and keep your heart healthy.
Watching TV
How much TV do you watch in a day? If it is more than 4 hours, maybe you should watch out and reduce it. Otherwise, you have 80% more chances of getting heart disease, so to keep your heart healthy, keep that remote away and watch a little less TV. Maybe, you could try some hobbies instead.
Bring a dog home
Dogs are great stress busters, and they can help keep your heart healthy. Studies suggest that people with dogs at home have lower blood pressure, which keeps your heart healthy. That’s not all. You have to take them out for a walk. Walks are the minimum daily exercise prescribed by doctors for staying healthy. It also helps manage your weight and become more social.
How about going vegetarian
Some studies have indicated that your chances of heart disease reduce by 32% by being vegetarian. So, if you are looking for a reason to give up on animal-based food, this is your chance.
Take a hot bath
A warm bath at the end of the day can help dilate your blood vessels and help reduce blood pressure. It can also help you sleep better and thus, overall, keeps your heart healthier.
Have a cuppa
If you are a coffee lover, there is good news. You need not give up on it for the sake of your health. 1-3 cups of coffee a day is said to help lower heart rhythm issues. However, studies have also observed that drinking filtered coffee is good, rather than unfiltered or instant coffee. Do keep away from sugar, and cream though.
Apart from all these, you could try cuddling and snuggling, spending quality time with your loved ones, etc. These activities that give you pleasure can keep your heart healthy as well. Even practicing Tai Chi, a slow martial art, can help reduce blood pressure and aid your heart. Almost all the methods mentioned above here are easy to follow. Many are just regular habits that you may need to follow, to keep your heart healthy.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
10th April 2023