As one of the leading causes of death worldwide, cardiovascular disease (CVD) takes an astounding 17.9 million lives every year.
However, by making lifestyle changes and seeking appropriate treatment, people can reduce their risk and improve their overall heart health.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the right way to improve heart health and present various treatment options for CVD. Keep reading.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting a healthier lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health. Consider the following lifestyle changes:
- Consume a Balanced Diet: Incorporate more fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet. This is an excellent way to equip your body with essential nutrients and reduce the risk of CVD.
- Exercise Regularly: To promote optimal heart health and maintain a healthy weight, engage in at least 150 minutes of medium-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise every week.
- Quit Smoking:Smoking is a significant risk factor for CVD. Consider quitting to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption:Excessive alcohol intake can increase blood pressure and the risk of CVD. Consume alcohol in moderation. However, the best approach would be to avoid it altogether.
- Manage Stress:Chronic stress can deteriorate heart health. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, e.g., meditation, exercise, or counseling.
Medication and Treatment
In addition to lifestyle changes, medication and treatment also play crucial roles in improving heart health.
- Medication:Depending on the type of CVD, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to manage blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or blood clotting. The right medication or combination of medications can help prevent further damage to the heart and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Invasive Procedures:In some cases, individuals with CVD may require invasive procedures, such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery, to open blocked arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation:Following heart surgery, cardiac rehabilitation is critical for a smooth recovery process. This structured program helps individuals improve their cardiovascular fitness, manage risk factors, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Recommended Read: Heart Valve Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Regular Checkups and Monitoring
Another critical aspect of improving heart health is going for regular checkups and monitoring. This includes:
- Routine Physical Exams:Regular physical exams can help your physician closely monitor your health and identify potential risk factors for CVD.
- Blood Tests:Blood tests can help detect high cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions that increase the risk of CVD.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring:Regularly monitoring your blood pressure can help identify hypertension, a significant risk factor for CVD, and ensure that your treatment plan is effective.
Visit Houston Physicians’ Hospital to Maintain Good Heart Health
Scheduling a routine visit is an excellent way to keep your heart health on track and diagnose potential conditions. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we diagnose and treat a wide range of heart conditions, including pulmonary hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, rheumatic heart disease, and more.
Find a cardiovascular specialist who’s right for you. We also treat back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, Knee Replacement Houston, and chronic pain for patients across southeast Texas, including South Houston, Surgical Hospital near NASA, Clear Lake, League City, and Galveston.