Your heart has an “age” that’s not always correlated with your real age. This “heart age” refers to the level of risk for a stroke or heart attack, and it can be influenced by factors like chronological age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle habits.
According to Dr. Joy Gelbman, a cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, if you calculate your heart age using known cardiac risk factors, it may indicate elevated modifiable risk for a cardiac event. However, with some simple lifestyle changes and preventive measures, you can “turn back the clock” on your heart age.
Here are 7 ways to keep your heart young:
1. Lower Your LDL Cholesterol: Keeping an eye on your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels is crucial. Aim for levels lower than 100 mg/dl to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
2. Engage in Regular Exercise: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Find activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing, and make them a habit.
3. Lower Your Stress Levels: Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Try exercises like meditation, breathing techniques, or yoga to manage stress.
4. Eat Nutritious Foods: Focus on lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be beneficial for heart health.
5. Stop Smoking And Vaping: Smoking and vaping can harm your heart health by constricting blood vessels and causing inflammation. Quitting can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
6. Get Enough Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and other heart-related issues.
7. Learn About Your Genetics: If you have a family history of heart disease, it’s essential to understand your genetic risk factors and take proactive steps to prevent it.
By incorporating these simple changes into your daily life, you can help keep your heart “young” beyond age and reduce the risk of heart-related events.
Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/caseyclark/heart-cardiovascular-age-sc