5 Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy & Fit

The human body is composed of various organs that perform a variety of functions. The most important among these is the heart, which plays a critical role in the proper functioning of the body. The heart pumps blood to the various organs. The blood carries nutrients and oxygen which are necessary for the body. But the heart is also susceptible to diseases which can result from unhealthy lifestyle and diet, stress, inactivity and various other factors. So for a long and healthy lifespan it is important that proper care is taken of your heart. Here are five tips that will keep your heart healthy and fit. 

Consume less salt

Salt makes the food more palatable, but excessive use of it can affect the heart. Consuming too much salt will lead to high blood pressure, which can ultimately result in various heart diseases and even heart failure. It has been suggested that salt intake for adults per day should be five grams or less. 

Be active 

Inactivity is deadly for the heart. As per estimates, people who do not indulge in exercises or any other physical activity are more at the risk of developing heart diseases than those who are active. So to keep your heart healthy start exercising. There is no need to indulge in strenuous exercises at the gym. Simple and moderate activities like jogging or taking a brisk walk early in the morning are sufficient to keep your heart healthy and fit.

Control your weight 

Obese or overweight people are more likely to have heart diseases. They are at risk of contracting diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can severely impact the heart. So, have a healthy diet which includes both fruits and vegetables. Along with salt, you must also lessen the intake of sugar. 

Stop smoking 

You might be aware that cigarettes are not good for health as it can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer. Cigarettes are also extremely harmful for the heart as they can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Other than raising the blood pressure and lowering oxygen in the body, cigarettes can also cause heart attack. It is not only the smokers who are affected, even non-smokers are at risk. If you are frequently in the close company of smokers, you are also inhaling the smoke emitted from cigarettes and this can negatively impact your health in the long run. So the next time you take a puff, remember the amount of damage it is doing to your body and heart and of those around you.

Sleep well 

Are you sleeping enough? If not then you are at risk. Sleeping too little will lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, which can also be life-threatening. Less sleep can lead to various ailments like high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. These diseases can lead to heart attack or strokes. Though the amount of sleep that every person requires may vary, it has been suggested that an adult should sleep for seven hours. This will help keep the heart in perfect condition. 

You need to ensure that your heart is strong and healthy by taking precautions like paying attention to your diet, exercising regularly, staying away from alcohol or restricting its intake, keeping stress at bay and, above all, staying positive. But if you notice any symptoms like irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, difficulty in concentration etc, you should immediately get a heart check up at a reputed hospital like Medanta. One of the country’s best hospitals, Medanta hospital charges for heart check up are quite affordable.