In recent decades an enormous amount of research has been done to find out what the risk factors are for heart disease.
We know a lot more now about the best ways to keep your heart healthy.
Your genetics do play a part, but even if genetically you're predisposed to heart disease, you can still follow a few simple guidelines and greatly reduce your risk of a heart attack.
Most of us are well aware that smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
But did you also know that it's extremely bad for your heart?The smoke contains chemicals that irritate the circulatory system.
This can lead to inflamed arteries, and I'm sure you can see how that's bad for your heart.
So if you want a healthy heart, throw the cigarettes in the bin.
Some other risk factors for heart disease, which I know I never would have guessed, are gum disease and tooth decay.
Yes, that's right, there's a link between dental hygiene and arteriosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease.
So the better care you take of your mouth, the healthier your heart will be.
Gingivitis is caused by a type of bacteria, and if that bacteria travels to your heart, it can cause serious complications.
Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, to help keep your heart healthy.
Also, make sure you get regular dental checkups.
Get cavities filled immediately, and do your best to keep your teeth healthy, as missing teeth can also indicate your heart's in trouble.
A little more obvious is the fact that what you eat has a big effect on the health of your heart.
It's good to eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including olive oil, walnuts and cold-water fish.
Whole grains are another really good food, so forget the baked potatoes and white bread.
Add in some fresh vegetables, particularly tomatoes and eggplants.
You don't have to skip dessert, either - a good serve of blueberries will do wonders for your heart.
Finally, one of the best things you can do to keep your heart healthy is exercise.
It's great for burning off that excess fat, particularly around the stomach area.
Carrying fat on your belly is really hard on your heart.
The fat also secretes harmful proteins into your bloodstream, and guess where they end up - your heart.
Find a form of exercise you enjoy and persist with it.
You can choose from running, swimming, biking, or even walking.
Even walking 5 miles a day can burn 500 extra calories.
You don't even have to do it all at once, take a few shorter walks and you'll still enjoy the benefits.
Having a healthy heart isn't difficult, but it does require that you make some basic changes to your lifestyle.
If you persist with these changes, your heart will thank you.
We know a lot more now about the best ways to keep your heart healthy.
Your genetics do play a part, but even if genetically you're predisposed to heart disease, you can still follow a few simple guidelines and greatly reduce your risk of a heart attack.
Most of us are well aware that smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
But did you also know that it's extremely bad for your heart?The smoke contains chemicals that irritate the circulatory system.
This can lead to inflamed arteries, and I'm sure you can see how that's bad for your heart.
So if you want a healthy heart, throw the cigarettes in the bin.
Some other risk factors for heart disease, which I know I never would have guessed, are gum disease and tooth decay.
Yes, that's right, there's a link between dental hygiene and arteriosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease.
So the better care you take of your mouth, the healthier your heart will be.
Gingivitis is caused by a type of bacteria, and if that bacteria travels to your heart, it can cause serious complications.
Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, to help keep your heart healthy.
Also, make sure you get regular dental checkups.
Get cavities filled immediately, and do your best to keep your teeth healthy, as missing teeth can also indicate your heart's in trouble.
A little more obvious is the fact that what you eat has a big effect on the health of your heart.
It's good to eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including olive oil, walnuts and cold-water fish.
Whole grains are another really good food, so forget the baked potatoes and white bread.
Add in some fresh vegetables, particularly tomatoes and eggplants.
You don't have to skip dessert, either - a good serve of blueberries will do wonders for your heart.
Finally, one of the best things you can do to keep your heart healthy is exercise.
It's great for burning off that excess fat, particularly around the stomach area.
Carrying fat on your belly is really hard on your heart.
The fat also secretes harmful proteins into your bloodstream, and guess where they end up - your heart.
Find a form of exercise you enjoy and persist with it.
You can choose from running, swimming, biking, or even walking.
Even walking 5 miles a day can burn 500 extra calories.
You don't even have to do it all at once, take a few shorter walks and you'll still enjoy the benefits.
Having a healthy heart isn't difficult, but it does require that you make some basic changes to your lifestyle.
If you persist with these changes, your heart will thank you.
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