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how to make your heart stronger
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14289
46 days ago
89

how to make your heart stronger - #14289

Ira

I am really worried about my heart health lately. A few months ago, I started feeling these weird palpitations, especially when I was exercising or just getting up from the couch. I went to my doctor and they said my heart was fine based on the tests, but I keep obsessing about how to make your heart stronger. I mean, what if I’m missing something? I read somewhere that doing some specific workouts can help, but I’m unsure where to start. Like, do I really need to do intense cardio or just brisk walking? Also, I noticed my family has a history of heart issues, which makes me even more concerned about finding ways how to make your heart stronger. Diet is another thing I’m confused about. Should I switch to a completely low-fat diet? I’ve heard people talk about heart-healthy foods but not exactly sure what that even means. I always thought I was fairly healthy, you know? Trying to figure out how to make your heart stronger feels overwhelming. Any tips or advice? What should I focus on?

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Doctors’ responses

Start by embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity. Walking briskly for at least 150 minutes a week can be a great starting point, and it’s realistic for most people. You don’t necessarily need to dive into intense cardio right away. If you’re comfortable, you can gradually incorporate more vigorous activities like running or cycling, as your endurance improves. Consistency matters more more than intensity at first. Pay attention to your diet. There’s no need to go ultralow-fat; instead, focus with balance. Incorporate heart-healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to limit saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol – these are often found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods. Instead, go for healthier fats, like those in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon or mackerel that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Having a family history of heart issues means it’s even more crucial to manage other lifestyle factors. Regularly monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to follow up with your healthcare provider. It’s better to voice your concerns rather than dwell on them alone. Also, stress management is vital. Consider practices like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to keep stress levels in check. Sleep is often overlooked but vital for heart health, so aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Hydration’s another key element. Staying well-hydrated helps your heart, kidneys, and muscles function smoothly. Of course, if you start experiencing any concerning changes in symptoms, or if new symptoms develop, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. The idea is to build a lifestyle that supports heart health in a sustainable way.

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