There has been a spate of heart attack-related deaths, especially in the post-pandemic times. While many young have fallen prey to death due to heart attacks, the aged population is at risk of heart attacks. Therefore, it is always good to listen to your heart and take care of it. It is a best practice to have a check-up at least once a year. If you already have heart issues, and the doctor asks you for check-ups in a shorter timeframe, you should follow it. However, there are a few other ways to ensure the heart remains healthy.
As you may already know, a healthy diet is integral to a healthy heart regime. Did you know there are some surprising and simple ways to reduce your chances of getting heart disease? No, this is not about popping any magic pills or potions. It is as simple as having your healthy quota of laughs a day or bringing a pet home! Indeed, just like you have recommended dietary allowance for most edible stuff, you can consider a few other RDAs of non-edible options. Let us peep at a few such options.
Join Samarth Community
₹100 per month (payable annually)Use Coupon 50NOW to avail 50% off on subscription
Join Now >
Laughter
Laughter is good for our health, and we know this rather hilariously because of Dr. Asthana, played by Boman Irani, from the hit movie Munnabhai MBBS! Indeed, laughter is good for your heart. It seems laughter dilates your blood vessels by 22%, and as we know, that helps in better blood circulation and reduces blood pressure. And when the blood pressure is regulated, your heart remains healthy. How about catching up on some comedy shows or movies?
Sleep
Sleep, or lack of it, affects our health in many ways. As people age, it affects their sleep. However, following a few valuable tips can help people find good quality sleep. Your chances of getting heart disease rise by 48% if you do not sleep enough. However, your risk of heart disease increases by 38% if you sleep too much also. The key is to get around 7-8 hours, to maintain a healthy sleep pattern and keep your heart healthy.
Watching TV
How much TV do you watch in a day? If it is more than 4 hours, maybe you should watch out and reduce it. Otherwise, you have 80% more chances of getting heart disease, so to keep your heart healthy, keep that remote away and watch a little less TV! Maybe, you could try some hobby instead.
Bring a dog home
Dogs are great stress-busters, and they can help keep your heart healthy. Studies suggest that people with dogs at home have lower blood pressure, which keeps your heart healthy. That’s not all. You have to take them out for a walk. Walks are the minimum daily exercise prescribed by doctors for staying healthy. It also helps manage your weight and become more social.
How about going vegetarian?
Some studies have indicated that your chances of heart disease reduce by 32% by being vegetarian. So, if you were looking for a reason to give up on animal-based food, this is your chance.
Take a hot bath
A warm bath at the end of the day can help dilate your blood vessels and help reduce blood pressure. It can also help you sleep better and thus, overall, keep your heart healthier.
Have a cuppa!
If you are a coffee lover, there is good news. You needn’t give up on it for the sake of your health. 1-3 cups of coffee a day is said to help lower heart rhythm issues. However, studies have also observed that drinking filtered coffee is good, rather than unfiltered coffee. Do keep away from the sugar and cream, though!
Apart from all these, you could try cuddling and snuggling, spending quality time with your loved ones, etc. These activities that give you pleasure can keep your heart healthy as well. Even practicing Tai Chi, a slow martial art, can help reduce blood pressure and aid your heart. Almost all the methods mentioned here are easy to follow. Many are just regular habits that you may need to tweak. Follow these and keep your heart healthy.
