Important Ways To Stay Heart Healthy By Dr. John Strobeck

Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, occurs when the heart and blood vessels become diseased. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for about a third of all deaths each year. This is why it’s important to know how to keep your heart healthy. Here are some ways you can protect your ticker:

Know Your Family History

Knowing your family history is helpful in determining your risk of heart disease. Family history can provide early warning signs of heart disease and help determine if there are specific genetic mutations that could affect your risk.

Eat A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is the best way to prevent heart disease, according to Dr. John Strobeck. A balanced diet includes:

• Fruits and vegetables – Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber that your body needs to stay healthy.

• Whole grains – Choose whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta or rice instead of refined grains like white breads; crackers; cookies and cakes made with white flour; white rice (brown rice has more nutrients).

• Healthy fats – Fatty fish such as salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so they’re less likely to narrow or become blocked by deposits of cholesterol plaque.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle and can help you prevent heart disease. But how much is enough? And what kind of exercise is best?

• How much: Aim for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week, with some sessions lasting longer than others (for example, two 20-minute workouts).

• What kind: Any form of physical activity will do–from walking around the block or taking an easy jog around the park to playing tennis or dancing salsa with friends at night club near home. Dr. John Strobeck Just pick something that suits your personality and life style so that it becomes second nature rather than something burdensome or difficult to fit into daily routine