7 Lifestyle Habits That Support Continued Heart Health as You Age

At Leading MDs, we’re not only concerned with treating your current aches, pains, and health issues, but we also look to the future and offer comprehensive preventive care services. 

One of our primary focuses of preventive care deals with the heart. February is American Heart Month, and this year, we’re taking a closer look at what it means to live life with your heart’s long-term health in mind. 

1. Prioritize clean eating

They say you are what you eat, and that’s certainly the case for your heart health. You can eat your way to long-term heart health by choosing whole fruits, vegetables, and grains over processed foods. 

Your diet should also include healthy fats and lean meats and exclude excess sugars and carbs. Certain diet plans, such as the DASH and Mediterranean diets, are simple and non-restrictive ways to ensure heart-friendly eating. 

2. Stay as active as possible

It’s easy to let your age dictate your activity level, but we strongly encourage you to keep up your activity levels as much as possible. Remember that your heart is a muscle and needs routine workouts to stay strong.  

Simple exercises like brisk walking, swimming, and resistance training are enough to get your heart pumping and manage your blood pressure. 

3. Get a handle on your stress

Your mental and physical health go hand in hand, and living in a constant state of stress takes a significant toll on your heart. 

Choose a stress management strategy that works best for you, whether controlled breathing, meditation, hobbies, exercise, or some other emotional release. 

4. Sleep and sleep well

Ideally, adults should get 7-9 hours of restful sleep every night (some say women need closer to 10). Getting enough sleep can significantly reduce the risk of heart problems such as tachycardia and heart attacks. 

5. Stay on top of your numbers

We recommend checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly. High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol contribute to overworked, weak, clogged blood vessels, which increases your chance of serious heart problems. 

6. Kick the bad habits

Tobacco products (as well as e-cigarettes and vapes) and alcohol are notorious health threats, especially where your heart is concerned. Quitting smoking and at least limiting your alcohol consumption goes a long way in protecting your heart. 

7. Know your risk

Many problems like high blood pressure and diabetes increase your risk of heart disease, and they often develop without any warning signs. That’s why we encourage all our patients to know their risk for potentially life-threatening health problems. 

A closer look at your family history and current health status can help us determine your level of risk. From there, we work with you to create a heart-healthy action plan to avoid serious problems. 

Looking for more ways to support your heart and overall health? Call (623)295-1190 to request an evaluation with our specialists. We proudly serve communities in and around Goodyear, Mesa, and Sun City, Arizona.