Want to improve your heart health? Listen to the experts. The following are cardiologists’ top tips for better heart health.
Since heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the U.S., it’s important that you take care of your heart. While factors like your family history play a role, lifestyle is an even bigger factor. In fact, a lot of heart disease is preventable if you just take care of your heart health.
What specific actions can you take today to improve your heart health? Keep reading to find out what cardiologists suggest you do to keep your heart ticking.
Eat Dark Chocolate
According to Randy P. Martin, MD, Cardiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, the flavonoids in dark chocolate protect our heart from toxins. Moreover, it helps dilate your blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. To get the most benefits, eat little dark chocolate squares in moderation and don’t mix them with sugary food products.
Roll in the Hay
Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, Cardiology, explains that having sex not only helps maintain healthy relationships but also enhances the immune system and reduces inflammation. She suggests having sex on a regular basis if you want to prevent heart disease (or if you already have it). However, if you have been treated for heart disease, just make sure to check with your healthcare provider before resuming.
Manage Stress
Not only is stress bad for your mental health, but it also releases stress hormones that are toxic to your heart. They increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation, resulting in poor circulation. Furthermore, it can indirectly affect your heart by leading you to unhealthy habits like less exercise and overeating, according to John M. Kennedy, MD, Cardiology.
Don’t Forget Flaxseed
According to Mary Ann Mclaughlin, MD, Cardiology, The Mount Sinai Health System, focusing on flaxseed can help. Clinical trials show that it affects low-density lipoprotein and lipoprotein (a), two lipoproteins that increase the risk for coronary heart disease. In addition, flaxseed helps reduce blood pressure and inflammation.
The Outlook
Keeping these tips in mind is important when you’re trying to improve your heart health. According to Thomas Lambert, MD, Cardiology, MountainView Hospital, you should also be aware of heart attack symptoms, as these can vary between men and women.
By staying on top of your heart health, you’ll be able to reduce the risk of heart disease and the complications that come with it. In addition, you can take supplements like L-arginine Plus to give your heart an extra boost.
Its ingredients are helpful for promoting circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. If you’re ready to give your heart the support it deserves, then follow these tips and take L-arginine Plus.