The heart plays a critically important role in keeping you healthy and your blood flowing. However, there are several dietary and physical maintenance aspects that can impact your heart health. If you don’t invest in routine wellness, this critical muscle can lose its strength, develop cardiovascular disease, and put you at risk for several life-threatening conditions. To help you reduce your risk of these common medical concerns, below are five effective ways you can help your heart thrive.

5 Steps to Better Heart Health

1. Take Control of Cholesterol

Eating foods with too many trans or saturated fats can increase the levels of LDL cholesterol in your body. When this negative cholesterol gets too high, it may clog your arteries and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. You can keep this level in control by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and consuming heart-healthy foods, such as those with unsaturated fats and antioxidants. In some cases, prescription medications may also be necessary to control high cholesterol.

2. Pay a Visit to Your Physician

Annual physical exams from your doctor are great for checking in on your general wellbeing, including that of your heart health. During the check-up, your physician may measure your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to determine if you have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. They might also diagnose and treat other conditions, such as obesity or anxiety, to reduce the stress on your heart.

3. Find Time for Fitness

Routine fitness, including light activities such as a brisk walk, helps boost circulation and prevents excess weight gain to support better heart health. That’s why the American Heart Association recommends that people get their bodies moving for about 30 minutes each day.

4. Cut Out Cigarettes  

Cigarettes and other tobacco products contain a variety of harmful components, including nicotine and toxic chemicals, that can damage your heart and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, ask your physician about effective strategies for quitting, such as medications and nicotine patches. 

5. Watch Your Water Intake

In addition to supporting many other vital organs, water helps the heart by keeping blood diluted enough to move at a steady pace. If you’re not drinking enough water, your sodium levels can increase and slow down your circulation, which in turn, can place stress on your cardiovascular system.

Providing care for patients of all backgrounds, Lexington Family Physicians in Lexington, NC, is a leading resource for heart health services in Davidson County. Placing high importance on preventive medicine, these family doctors strive to simplify every aspect of routine care, including physical exams and tests, so that you can maintain a consistent picture of your health. They are also qualified to manage high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. To learn more about their compassionate and complete approach to wellness, visit this office online. Call (336) 249-3329 to speak to a representative.