Did you know that one in every four deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease? Whether your genetics, lifestyle, diet, or age are impacting your heart health, there are steps you can take to still live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Here are four improvements you can make in your day-to-day life—from the heart specialists at AMS Cardiology—so you can stop missing out on life and start enjoying it again.
Stay Active
Physicians recommend getting at least 30 minutes of physical exercise a day. Of course, you might be asking: what does that mean? What constitutes as an exercise? According to the American Heart Association, anything that raises your heart rate will benefit your body, whether it be a brisk walk, zumba or even a cycling class. If you find that your day is too full to designate a time for exercise, focus on trying to stand rather than sitting throughout the day, or take the stairs rather than an elevator or escalator.
Fuel Your Body
There are several important things to keep in mind when thinking about your heart health, one of which is what you’re putting in your body. When making the decision to switch to a heart-healthy diet, some things to keep in mind are cutting out salt and unhealthy fats whenever possible, and filling your plate with a wide variety of colorful foods. Another way your diet can help to benefit your heart health? Be sure to focus on making your diet chock full of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while cutting back on red meats and processed foods.
Follow Your Prescribed Treatment Plan
Following your prescribed treatment plan can make a huge difference in how you’re feeling from day to day. If cost is a factor, talk to your physician about your concerns before you stop taking the prescribed medication entirely, and he or she can help you find a solution to your problem. If you find yourself skipping your morning pills or forgetting to fill your prescriptions, utilize your cell phone and set a reminder. Taking these small steps toward a healthier heart and healthier life can add up and make a big impact in the long run.
Take Time to Enjoy the Little Things in Life
Living with heart disease puts a strain on your body, but we often neglect to acknowledge the effects it can have on our mental health. It can be easy to feel like your heart disease has taken control over your life and there is no way to escape it. That’s why it is important to take time to focus on all of the good things in your life. Maybe spend the day at the park surrounded by loved ones, or cook a fresh meal at home with your significant other. The chaos of everyday life makes it easy to lose track of the things we appreciate most. If this is not enough, we strongly recommend consulting with a professional to help cope with your mental state.
At AMS, we know living with heart disease can be challenging and may seem overwhelming at times—that’s why strive to treat all of our patients with respect, empathy and professionalism. Don’t deal with the stress and challenges of heart disease alone; schedule an appointment with an AMS physician today!
