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What are healthy habits for heart?
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12464
45 days ago
114

What are healthy habits for heart? - #12464

Zoya

I am really worried about my heart lately. A couple of months ago, during a routine check-up, my doctor told me that my cholesterol levels were a bit high. I mean, I thought I was doing okay, but then I started feeling these weird palpitations and shortness of breath once in a while, especially when I’m stressed. It totally threw me off. I try to eat fruits and veggies, but I can’t seem to stick to a more consistent plan. Sometimes I binge on junk food, like after a long day at work, and lately, sleep has been super erratic. I’ve been reading about What are healthy habits for heart, but honestly, I’m confused. Are things like cutting out caffeine or stress management really effective? What are healthy habits for heart that I can realistically implement in my busy life? I’ve seen stuff about exercise too, but who has time for that? Might walking instead of driving make a difference? My mom had heart issues by the time she was my age, so now I feel like I’m racing against time here. I need some simple, practical advice on What are healthy habits for heart that won’t stress me out even more. Help!

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Doctors’ responses

First, it’s great that you’re taking proactive steps to get your heart health on track; small daily habits can indeed make a big difference. Let’s tackle this by breaking it into actionable steps. Prioritize a heart-healthy diet by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while reducing saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol found in processed foods and snacks. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, start by setting small, attainable goals like having heart-healthy snacks on hand to replace junk food. Hydration is also key, so aim for water over sugary drinks whenever possible. Considering sleep, establish a bedtime routine; set a consistent sleep schedule even on weekends, and try winding down with non-screen activities like reading or meditation. Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. Walking is fantastic for cardiovascular health, so yes, opting for a short brisk walk instead of driving can help. Consider scheduling short walks during breaks at work or opting for stairs when you can. The key is to gradually increase your activity level—aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week but feel free to break that up into smaller, manageable chunks. Manage stress by incorporating mindfulness or breathing exercises into your daily routine; simple techniques practiced for even five minutes can be effective. Cutting down on caffeine can reduce palpitations for some individuals—look at how much coffee or caffeinated sodas you’re consuming and see if reducing helps your symptoms. Keep track of what triggers palpitations or shortness of breath, and discuss these with your doctor. Lastly, consider regular follow-up appointments to monitor cholesterol levels and get personalised advice based on any changes. Should symptoms like palpitations persist, or you experience other concerning signs like chest pain, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.

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