In a country where heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, knowing how to improve your heart health is more than just a good idea. Being aware of your overall health, taking steps to keep your heart healthy throughout your life, and enlisting professional help when necessary can save your life. Read on to learn more about heart health, actions you can take to care for your heart, and cardiology services in Long Island, NY,
Know Your Numbers
There are certain numbers that are directly tied to your heart health, and being aware of these numbers is the first step in taking control of your health. Normal blood pressure is classified as 119/79 and lower, while a reading of 130/80 or higher puts you in the hypertension range. For BMI, which is a function of height and weight, the ideal range is 18.5-24.9. Numbers above that can be classified as overweight, obese, or morbidly obese, all of which put your heart at increased risk. Cholesterol is the third number to be aware of, with total cholesterol above 200 increasing your risk of heart disease. To further break it down, HDL (good cholesterol) below 40 or LDL (bad cholesterol) above 160 can also be risk factors.
Get the Recommended Amount of Exercise
Experts recommend that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. That means getting 30 minutes a day, five days a week of exercise that gets your heart pumping. For many people, walking is the perfect place to start, but activities like swimming, biking, playing sports, and other cardiovascular-based activities are all excellent choices.
Watch What You Eat
Of course, for many Americans, diet is where things get really difficult. Fortunately, some basic guidelines can help direct your nutritional choices. These guidelines include trying to cut back on salt intake, limit alcohol consumption, aim for five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables per day, limit saturated fats in your diet, eliminate trans fats, eat more whole grains, and generally try to eat fewer processed foods.
Focus on Sleep Health
Sleep health is also essential for good heart health. Poor sleep puts strain on the heart, and some studies show seven hours a night to be the magic number. People who got less than five hours or more than nine hours of sleep at night increased their risk of disease.
If you have questions about your heart health, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with the heart experts at the Peconic Bay Medical Center. Their cardiology in Long Island, NY, can help you identify problems, come up with solutions, and improve your overall health.