One of the most vital parts of the human body is the heart. The heart pumps blood, oxygen, nutrients, and waste around the body. The heartbeat is a sign of life and is one of the only constant functions of the body that does not require thought. However, the heart is also susceptible to damage and harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the top cause of death among American adults. Since the heart is so vulnerable yet essential, keeping your heart healthy can lead to a long healthy life. Here are some tips on maintaining a healthy heart.
The most recommended way to keep a healthy heart is to move and stay active. Whether it be intense workouts, running a marathon or playing a sport, moderate activity like a jog, or easy exercise like a walk, all activities will have long-term benefits. When the body is active, the heart pumps more blood faster to aid muscles throughout the body by supplying oxygen and nutrients while taking away waste like lactic acid. Medically, this improves blood pressure. Poor blood pressure can be a sign of a disease of the heart. Most experts agree that standing up periodically during extended times of rest and about 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense activity a week is best for improving blood pressure and reducing the amount of work the heart needs to do when resting.
Another option recommended by experts is to maintain frequent health check-ups. Whether it be checking weight, heart rate, blood pressure, or other vital signs, monitoring possible issues and checking in with health professionals can uncover early warning signs of diseases like heart disease or poor blood pressure. Additionally, adapting diet and exercise routines allows for quick response to signs of possible heart issues.
Another efficient way of maintaining a healthy heart is by monitoring food and other substances. Eating healthy is one of the best ways of doing this. Limiting processed and high-fat foods while eating more natural foods with healthy fats and low sugar will increase heart health. Reducing alcohol, drug consumption, smoking, and extreme stress will boost heart health. Protection against dangerous substances and situations will reduce resting heart conditions. One recommendation from the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that being in nature reduces stress, improving heart health.
While a healthy heart is possible through regular activity, getting enough sleep is equally as important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends around seven hours a night for average adults. When asleep, the body rebuilds damaged cells from the day and restarts systems on an organismal and cellular level. Sleep deprivation can cause high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, and other heart diseases.
At Stevens, part of the physical health program offers many resources that allow students to keep their hearts healthy. The Stevens Campus Recreation offers gyms, sports courts and fields, and classes to stay active. Stevens Office of Residential and Dining Services and their dietitian offer services from diet planning, food substitutions, and a healthy habits course that students can attend to learn more about and structure their healthy lifestyle.
Heart health is of the utmost importance. These tips can help keep you and your heart in good condition. See a medical professional to learn more about maintaining a healthy heart.
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