How to naturally maintain heart rate? - #12350
I am really concerned about my heart health lately. I’m trying to figure out how to naturally maintain heart rate, especially since I’ve always had a bit of a fast resting heart rate. It’s kind of nerve-racking, to be honest. Last week, I tried doing some meditation to calm myself down but noticed my heart rate was still kinda high. I’ve read that things like exercise and diet can help, but what exactly should I be focusing on? One of my friends told me that increasing potassium can be good, and I’ve been eating more bananas, but is that really enough? I also struggle with anxiety sometimes, and I know that can mess with heart rate too, right? Like the other day, I had a stressful work meeting and my heart felt like it was racing. I want to know how to naturally maintain heart rate during stressful moments and in general. Are there specific activities or foods I should really make a point of including? I feel like I need a solid plan or something to make sure my heart is okay. It's all really confusing, and I don’t want this to turn into a bigger issue! Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Doctors’ responses
One effective way to naturally maintain and even lower your resting heart rate is through regular physical activity. Aerobic exercises like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can condition your heart so it doesn’t have to work as hard, which can lower your heart rate over time. Try to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Incorporate some strength training exercises a couple of times a week too, as they can support overall cardiovascular health. It’s important to gradually build up the intensity and duration to prevent any sudden strain on your body. Diet also plays a crucial role. While bananas and the potassium they contain are beneficial, focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will offer comprehensive support for your cardiovascular system. Foods high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, like fish (such salmon or mackerel) and walnuts, are particularly heart-healthy. Managing anxiety and stress is another key factor in controlling heart rate. Since stress can trigger an increase, practices such as deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness meditation can be helpful. Even dedicating just a few minutes a day to these can make a difference. Staying hydrated and ensuring adequate sleep are also often overlooked but vital for maintaining a stable heart rate. Alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can significantly elevate heart rate too, so reducing or eliminating these can lead to improvements. If you find that anxiety is contributing majorly to an elevated heart rate, cognitive-behavioral therapy or speaking with a mental health professional could offer long-term strategies to manage stress. Keep in mind that while these are natural approaches, if you ever feel sudden or severe symptoms, or your heart rate changes unexpectedly, contacting a healthcare professional for personalized advice is crucial. They may suggest further monitoring or tests to rule out underlying conditions that may need more direct intervention.
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