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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #16239
45 days ago
107

how to strengthen heart - #16239

Om

I am feeling really worried about my heart health lately. A few weeks ago, I had this crazy episode where my chest felt tight and my heart was racing out of nowhere. I’m in my late 40s, not overweight, but I do have a family history of heart problems. Anyway, I went to the doctor and they did some tests, thankfully everything came back normal, but it got me thinking about how to strengthen heart muscle in general. I mean, what can I do to be proactive and not just sit around hoping nothing happens? I feel like I keep hearing that exercise is key for how to strengthen heart health, but honestly, I’m not a gym person at all. Like, I can't stand running or anything. Are there any specific activities or diets that could help? I heard that certain foods also play a role in how to strengthen heart function. Like, should I be eating more fish or something? And, how long would it take to see some changes if I actually started implementing some of these things? It's been really stressing me out, and I just want to feel like I'm taking control instead of waiting for something to happen! So, can anyone share tips on how to strengthen heart health without it being super overwhelming?

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Doctors’ responses

Strengthening your heart is a smart move, especially considering your family history and that episode you experienced. While you’re not keen on gym routines, there’s plenty you can do to support your heart health. First, let’s talk about physical activity. Walking is an excellent starting point and doesn’t require a gym. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, like brisk walking or cycling. You could split this into sessions as short as 10 minutes if needed. Regular activity helps strengthen the heart muscle, improves circulation, and can help lower your blood pressure. Alongside physical activity, diet plays a critical role. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, mackerel, or walnuts, which are great for heart health. Increase your fiber intake with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Reducing your sodium intake can also help manage blood pressure, so be mindful of processed and packaged foods that often contain high levels. Consider using herbs and spices to flavor your food instead of salt. Combining these dietary approaches can help over time, and changes like cholesterol level improvements might be seen in a few weeks to months. Lastly, focus on managing stress, as high stress can strain your heart. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or even simple deep-breathing exercises can be beneficial. Since you’re worried about heart health, it’s crucial to have regular follow-ups with your doctor. They might recommend further lifestyle adjustments or monitoring if they see significant risk factors. Remember, these changes don’t have to be extreme to be effective, just consistent. Balancing these lifestyle habits can empower you to feel more in control of your heart health journey.

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