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How to improve heart function?
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12423
250 days ago
303

How to improve heart function?

Karthik

I am really worried about my heart lately. A few months ago, I started feeling this weird pressure in my chest, especially after climbing a few stairs or even just walking. I thought it was just me being outta shape, but then I went to see my doc, and they did some tests and told me my heart function is below what it should be. I guess that's not super surprising since I do have high blood pressure and I tend to eat a lotta junk food. Anyway, the doctor mentioned a couple of things about lifestyle changes, but I'm trying to wrap my head around how to improve heart function specifically. I've read a bit about diet, exercise, and all that, but honestly it feels overwhelming. Like, is there a certain type of exercise that's better for heart function? And what about foods—are there really any superfoods or anything I should absolutely be eating or avoiding to improve heart function? I’ve been trying to cut back on salt, but if I’m honest, I sneak in some chips here and there.. Also, are there any supplements that can actually help improve heart function? I just don't know where to start, and I wanna make sure I'm doing the right things before it gets worse. Thanks for any advice!

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Doctors' responses

Improving heart function can definitely feel overwhelming, but taking focused steps can make it much more manageable. First, let’s talk about exercise. Aerobic activities like walking, cycling, or swimming are generally recommended because they help strengthen your heart muscle over time. It’s important to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, which translates to about 30 minutes most days. You don’t have to do it all at once, breaking it into more manageable chunk can make it more feasible. Strength training twice a week can also be beneficial, just be sure to avoid overexerting yourself, especially if your heart function is already compromised. As for your diet, reducing junk food is crucial. Focus on incorporating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like poultry, fish, legumes, and nuts. Foods packed with omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, can be particularly beneficial. Superfoods might sound enticing but focusing on a balanced diet is more sustainable and effective. Cutting back on salt is indeed helpful, as is reducing saturated fats and added sugars, since these can all elevate blood pressure and strain your heart. Sneaking in chips occasionally is not terrible, just try to make it infrequent. About supplements, while some like omega-3s have been shown to support heart health, it’s pivotal to discuss any additions with your doctor to avoid any possible interactions with existing medications. And always ensure adequate intake of magnesium, potassium, and coenzyme Q10 as they’re often linked with heart health, yet supplementation should be based on individual needs. Lastly, managing stress and getting adequate sleep are important, as both can indirectly influence heart function. Implementing stress-lowering techniques like meditation or yoga might help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you need more personalized advice or if anything feels worse; addressing issues early is the best prevention strategy.

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