Heart health is not influenced only by genetics – to a large extent it depends on our daily lifestyle habits. What we eat, how much we move, sleep, and manage stress all directly affect the function of our heart and blood vessels. Ahead of World Heart Day, celebrated on September 29, we bring you advice on how to preserve the health of one of the most important organs in our body.
Heart Health and the Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle
To live healthily, a balanced diet is essential. Our plates should include more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish. It is recommended to consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seed oil.
At the same time, we should reduce our intake of salt, sugar, saturated and trans fats, which are found in fast and fried food. Meals should be regular and without overeating.
Heart Health Through Physical Activity
Regular physical activity means at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. Walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing – it all counts!
Maintaining a healthy body weight is also crucial. Losing even just 5 to 10 percent of excess weight significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within normal ranges is vital for long-term heart and vascular health. Regular check-ups and timely treatment can prevent serious complications.
Heart Health and Harmful Habits – Smoking, Stress and Sleep
If it is difficult to give up bad lifestyle habits, remember that smoking doubles the risk of a heart attack. Likewise, chronic stress and poor sleep increase the risk of hypertension and arrhythmias.
Relaxation techniques, spending time in nature, and quality moments with loved ones all help the heart remain strong and healthy.
Heart Health and the Importance of Taking Therapy Regularly
With conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, it is possible to live a long and quality life today, since they can be successfully managed with proper treatment. The key role lies in taking prescribed therapy regularly and consistently.
Why Taking Therapy Regularly Matters for Heart Health
- reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death
- stabilizes blood pressure, heart rhythm, and heart function
- slows the progression of disease and organ damage
- improves quality of life and enables normal functioning
- reduces the need for emergency interventions or hospitalization
Skipping or stopping prescribed therapy without consulting a doctor can lead to silent disease progression, severe complications, and loss of medication effectiveness.
The absence of symptoms does not mean the disease has disappeared. Therefore, therapy should never be discontinued on your own – always consult your doctor.
