Heart disease is something that affects hundreds of thousands of people each and every year. Even children are at risk of heart diseases. It is possible that pediatric cardiomyopathy is fatal when not treated early on after symptoms arise. If someone exhibits signs like excessive lethargy, chest discomfit or pain, unexplained seizures, they ought to undergo a cardiac evaluation immediately. And while this disease can be hereditary or brought on by your genetics, it can just as easily be brought on by your environment and the way you’ve treated your body over the years. Luckily, if you fall into the latter category, lowering your risk heart disease is something that’s in your control. So to help make this a little easier for you, here are three ways you can limit your risk of heart disease.
Abstain From Smoking
One of the biggest triggers for heart disease is the use of tobacco, particularly through smoking. While you may have started smoking without the thought of how this habit could affect your future health, you likely soon began to see how smoking has negatively impacted your body. And although it can be tough to quit smoking once you’ve become addicted, Heart.org reminds us that it’s also very hard to overcome the harmful effects of having heart disease and all that can entail, including a stroke or heart attack. Knowing this, do your best to abstain from smoking and encourage those around you to abstain from smoking as well.
Get and Stay Active
In order to keep your heart healthy, one of the best things you can do is maintain an active lifestyle. Depending on your age and current health, you probably should start by working out for at least 30 minutes a day a few times a week. This can be something as simple as taking a walk or as immersive as swimming laps. However, before you begin a new exercise routine, WebMD recommends checking in with your doctor to ensure you’re in good enough health to put this amount of stress on your heart as it is. Your doctor will be able to tell you what exercises will be best for you personally.
Know The Foods to Avoid
While it’s good to eat foods that are healthy for your body and will help your heart maintain its strength, it’s also good to know what foods you should steer clear from if you’re looking to prevent heart disease in your future. According to the Mayo Clinic, anything that has too much salt or sugar is going to put you at higher risk for heart disease. To be more specific, things like fast food, pastries, processed snacks, and other sweets would fall in this category. Additionally, red meats, full-fat dairy products, and certain oils will also increase your risk for developing heart disease. If you currently eat a lot of these items, try to cut down as soon as possible.
If you’re concerned about your chances of developing heart disease, use the tips mentioned above to begin lowering your risk for these medical problems today.