10 Tips for Better Cardiovascular Health
Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), is the most common type of heart disease, according to Health.gov. Characterized by narrow or blocked coronary arteries, heart disease can affect women over 55 or men over the age of 45. Genetics can also play a part in your risk for heart disease.
It’s never too late to prioritize your heart’s health. Our caregivers at Visiting Angels of West Cincinnati work daily to support local seniors in caring for themselves, including their heart health.
10 Tips for Better Cardiovascular Health
With this in mind, it’s essential for seniors to look after their heart health. The following tips can help support a healthier heart, mind, and body. Which can you incorporate into your daily routine?
1. Get Moving
Adding exercise to your routine can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your muscles strong and flexible. Maintaining your mobility can keep your heart healthy with monitored and measured fluctuations in heart rate. Exercising can significantly improve your heart health, even if you can only handle chair yoga.
2. Control Portions
Eating too much on holidays just means indulging yourself a bit more than usual, but constantly overeating can put stress on your body, especially your heart. Overeating can contribute to obesity, make it harder to exercise, and load up your body with calories that don’t provide much nutrition.
3. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Vitamins and minerals contained in fruits and vegetables help keep your hunger satisfied while giving your body what it needs. Add a fruit or vegetable one at a time to your diet to get more from what you eat to support your heart.
4. Limit Sodium and Salt Intake
Too much sodium and salt can increase your blood pressure. Choose reduced-fat and low-sodium foods to add to your diet and reduce your use of table salt.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking can damage much more than your heart health. Your lungs, throat, and mouth can be at risk for certain cancers, depending on several factors.
6. Limit Sugar
As tempting as it might be to have a sweet treat, limiting your sugar intake goes a long way in maintaining your heart health. Indulge if you must, but be mindful of how much sugar you introduce into your diet.
7. Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Regular visits to your physician can help monitor your heart health and many other parameters linked to this vital organ. Ask for a referral to a cardiologist if you want or need further testing.
8. Plan Ahead
Meal planning can help seniors eat at home, avoid excess salt and sodium intake, and incorporate more vegetables and fruits into their diet. Visiting Angels’ caregivers can also help seniors prepare meals so they have a go-to solution come mealtime.
9. Cook With Olive Oil
Substituting olive oil for butter can add good fat to your diet. Olive oil performs some of the same functions but is better for overall heart health.
10. Prioritize Sleep
A good night’s sleep is the prime time for your body to recuperate and relax. Don’t budge on eight hours of sleep, and practice healthy habits to wind down before sleep for a more restful slumber.
Care For Your Heart With Visiting Angels of West Cincinnati
Caregivers at Visiting Angels of West Cincinnati recognize the value of heart health, especially among seniors. Although an overall healthy approach can help support our hearts, sometimes those habits are hard to establish. The resources below can help you prioritize your health to keep your heart beating strong:
- Heart Disease Symptoms to Watch for in Seniors
- Tips for Seniors to Maintain Mobility
- The Benefits of Eating Healthy as You Age
- Using Meditation to Improve Your Life
If you’d like to learn more about Visiting Angels of West Cincinnati and our senior home care services, contact us for a free consultation. We’re happy to consult with you and craft a personalized care plan that suits your individual needs.