General Health

6 Lifestyle Changes For Better Heart Health

Heart health is one of the most concerning health factors in the UAE. Particularly for older people. A recent study by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), above 30% of adults in the UAE suffers from high blood pressure.

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What’s more concerning is that less than 50% of them are aware of the condition. With these results being highly concerning, it’s important to know how to counter the poor lifestyle habits that are negatively affecting our good health.

Here are some practical lifestyle changes you can make to improve your heart health.

1. Aiming for a healthy weight

Having an ideal body weight to aim for will help you determine the best approach to your diet and training. Maintaining a proper weight also prevents you from heart diseases, other health complications as well as feeling and looking your best.

Obesity and diabetes are the risks of gaining too much weight and not being able to manage healthy lifestyle habits. The best way to determine your ideal weight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI) and should be between 18.5 to 24.9. Ideally, you should speak with your medical practitioner on what a healthy weight is for you and how to obtain it.

2. Managing stress

Mental health plays a big part in heart health, and stress, in particular, is something that can put it at serious risk. Having too much stress or aggressive feelings can increase your blood pressure. In turn, this can lead to hypertension or other heart problems.

Take time out of your day to relax, unwind and go out of your way to avoid stress. This may mean you can pick up a physical sport that can release your anger, pick up meditation, or even take a 5-minute break to clear your mind. Small changes like this can significantly lower the risk of a heart attack.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Eating healthy is a must should you want to lower your blood pressure and manage your heart health better. Foods that are nutrient-rich, natural as well as beneficial for the body can have a significant impact on how well your heart works.

Foods such as leafy vegetables, lean meats nutrient-rich foods can help to lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. As all body types and personal health situations are different, speak with your medical practitioner in regards to what diet is most suitable for you.

4. Physical activity

Being physically active instead of being sedentary most of your day can help lower the risks of heart complications as well as maintain good cholesterol levels. Multiple studies have shown that people who spend most of the day in a sedentary position are more likely to develop heart disease or other health risks than those who consistently exercise.

No matter what you’re trying to achieve physical activity should be a part of everyone’s daily routine. You don’t have to go to the gym or run marathons, A simple walk in the park or walking the dog is enough to do your health wonders.

Speak with your doctor about the best exercises you can try that are most suitable and effective for you. Almost every single doctor will tell you that exercise makes a big difference to heart health.

5. Quit smoking

In the UAE, smoking is a common thing for most adults and is a prominent reason for the rising health concerns in the UAE as it can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack or other health factors.

If you smoke, definitely quit as soon as possible. If you hang around people or places where second-hand smoking is likely to occur, avoid those places at all costs as they are almost just as bad as smoking.

6. Get regular check-ups with your doctor

Symptoms of heart health aren’t so apparent or obvious as other health concerns such as the flu or cold. And once the heart starts to develop a serious problem, its best to seek it out as soon as possible.

This is why you need to see your doctor regularly. Only they will be able to tell how serious the condition is and how to treat it at first notice. Especially if you already have a health complication or physical condition, always get regular check-ups from the doctor.

Keep in Mind

If you notice symptoms of heart problems or any other health problems, speak with your medical practitioner. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you run the risk of developing something more serious and even fatal. If you have made the above lifestyle changes and haven’t noticed any improvements, or aren’t exactly sure how to approach your condition, speak with your medical practitioner on how to approach it.

If you have made the above lifestyle changes and haven’t noticed any improvements, or aren’t exactly sure how to approach your condition, speak with your medical practitioner on how to approach it.

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.