It’s very important to keep your heart healthy, and you may be surprised at just how simple it is. A few easy lifestyle changes can immediately improve your heart health and will reduce your risk of heart disease. Each change that you make can strengthen your heart so that it will work more efficiently and last longer.

1) Stop Smoking

Smoking puts a strain on your lungs and your heart, and it makes them work harder to provide your body with the oxygen it needs to function properly. This can wear your heart out quickly, and it makes you more susceptible to other health issues. If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor about therapies that can help you quit. Cutting out cigarettes is one of the best ways to vastly improve your heart health.

2) Relax

Stress has a negative impact on your overall health, but it is especially harmful for your heart. Stress and anxiety can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket, which means that your heart is working overtime to pump blood through your body. Start by taking 15 minutes a day to relax. Whether you meditate, go for a leisurely walk around Missouri City or read a book, your heart will benefit from a few stress-free minutes.

3) See Your Doctor

In order to have a healthy heart, you need to know exactly how well your heart is functioning. Visit your doctor so that you can get readings on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Once you know this information, you can determine which changes will help your heart to be as healthy as possible.

4) Eat Well and Exercise

When you eat a healthy diet, your entire body will function better, and this includes your heart. You should eat lean protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and you should focus on foods that will help improve your heart health. These foods include:

• Almonds
• Salmon
• Dark chocolate
• Oatmeal

Exercise is also an important part of heart health. Start with 10 minutes a day, and then slowly build up to at least 30 minutes of exercise. Make sure that it is an activity that you enjoy so that you will be more likely to stick with it.

5) Watch Your Waistline

If you tend to carry your extra weight around your middle, then you have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. To reduce your risk, focus on taking off some of those excess pounds. You should maintain a regular exercise routine, and you should eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest.

Your heart health plays an important role in your overall health, and it is very important that you take steps to make sure that your heart is in good condition. Even small changes will help you improve your heart’s efficiency so that you are less likely to suffer from heart disease in the future.