How to Improve Heart Health Without Overhauling Your Whole Routine
Those wondering how to improve heart health should stay consistent with medications and appointments, improve heart health through better oral care, and monitor heart health at home. You can also get daily movement, heart-healthy eating, and stress reduction.
According to the CDC, the leading cause of death in the nation is heart disease. Our daily habits can affect our heart health, and the little things can add up, whether they're good or bad. Of course, you want to be on the good side of things, but you just don't have the energy or time to make drastic changes.
Are you now wondering how to improve heart health? Then you're in luck, as we have some easy heart health tips for seniors in Muscatine, IA.
What Are Signs of a Weak Heart?
Unfortunately, the signs of a weak heart can be subtle, and many people mistake them for normal aging. Common symptoms you should watch out for include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Difficulty exercising
- Frequent coughing at night
- Reduced appetite
Do note that symptoms can develop gradually. This means that early detection is crucial, so if you're experiencing the above, you should seek medical evaluation promptly.
What Is the Fastest Way to Improve Heart Health?
The fastest way to improve heart health is to combine daily movement, heart-healthy eating, and stress reduction.
For instance, you can add light physical activity and make dietary changes to reduce sodium and processed foods. More importantly, you should manage stress, as chronic stress can raise your heart rate and blood pressure.
Realistic Wellness for Seniors for Heart Health
You may be concerned about your heart health, but fortunately, you don't have to make big changes to stay in good shape. Here are some small steps for aging well that you can take.
Stay Consistent With Medications and Appointments
If you're after low-effort heart support, then our best advice is to stay consistent with prescribed medications and regular medical appointments. If you skip doses or take your medications at random times, then this can lead to:
- Unstable blood pressure
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Worsening cholesterol levels
You can stay on top of things by using pill organizers and setting phone reminders for when to take them. Or you can pair your medications with an existing habit (like mealtimes or bedtimes) to make it easier to remember.
During your regular checkups, your doctors can adjust dosages early and even catch silent issues promptly. As a result, this can prevent complications.
Improve Heart Health Through Better Oral Care
Studies such as those done by Hopkins et al., published in the National Library of Medicine, suggest that there's a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. So keeping up with good oral hygiene can be extremely beneficial for your heart health.
Consider this: gum disease can cause chronic inflammation, and this is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries.
So you should:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss regularly
- Keep up with dental cleanings
By keeping up with these easy habits, you can reduce harmful bacteria that may enter the bloodstream and affect your heart.
Monitor Heart Health at Home
Muscatine senior wellness starts at home, and you don't have to change your daily schedule either. Simply being aware of how your body feels and how it changes can make a huge difference.
You should check the following a few times a week:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Weight
Sudden changes often happen before noticeable symptoms, so if there are alarming fluctuations in the above, then seek care.
It can be beneficial to keep a small log. Not only can that make it clearer to see any changes, but it's easy to share with your doctor too. This can improve treatment accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Three Foods Cardiologists Say Not to Eat?
There are three foods that cardiologists say not to eat.
The first is processed meats. Things like bacon, sausage, and deli meats are high in sodium and preservatives, which can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease.
The second is fried foods. These have unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats, which contribute to clogged arteries and inflammation.
The third is sugary baked goods. When you eat things like sugary pastries, cookies, and desserts, these can spike your blood sugar and contribute to weight gain.
Because your metabolism slows with age, the above foods become harder for your body to process efficiently.
What Is the #1 Worst Habit for Your Heart?
The number one worst habit for your heart is physical inactivity.
As you get older, it may be harder to move since you have joint pain, fatigue, or chronic conditions. However, being inactive can weaken the heart muscle and slow circulation.
When you live a sedentary lifestyle, it can increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
The good news is that you don't need intense workouts to combat bad heart health. Just gentle and consistent movement can make a significant difference.
What Drink Calms the Heart?
The drink that can calm the heart is herbal tea. For example, you can have chamomile, hibiscus, or green tea (in moderation). These can help:
- Relax blood vessels
- Reduce stress hormones
- Support healthy blood pressure
Warm beverages can also encourage slower breathing. This, in turn, can help steady the heart rate. If you're sensitive to caffeine, then look for caffeine-free options. Stay hydrated with water too.
Know How to Improve Heart Health for a Better Future
Heart disease is the number one reason why people pass away, so it's crucial that you know how to take care of yourself. This article has now given you several methods on how to improve heart health, so it's up to you what advice you want to take.
By making positive dietary and lifestyle changes, you can already put yourself in the right direction. And by following your doctor's recommendations and monitoring your cardiovascular health at home, you can get peace of mind.
To request more information about senior living in Muscatine, IA, get in touch with us now. Addington Place of Muscatine has accessible apartments that have climate control, with lots of storage space.