With the high levels of obesity in our country, we are finding out more and more about heart disease and what being overweight can do to your heart. Heart disease is one of the leading killers of Americans and it doesn’t have to be that way. Just by losing weight and exercising we can change the outcome of our lives and be well on our way to have a healthy heart.
It is important that you start any weight loss or exercise program by talking to a doctor. They can administer a test called the HSCRP, or high sensitive C-reactive protein test. This is a blood test that can predict heart attacks and strokes before they happen. By measuring the levels of your blood protein they can find out if you have inflamed or clogged arteries which may rupture and cause heart failure. This is better than a cholesterol test which can come out with normal levels, and not indicate that there is an underlying problem in your heart.
The next thing you want to do is to start an exercise routine immediately. Exercise is great for your heart, and the more you do it, the better off you will be. Exercise effects wear off pretty quickly so you want to keep up with regular exercise so that you can continue to have a healthy heart. Although you may think you have a healthy heart, it is always best to get some form of physical exercise at least three times a week. Exercise should also include strength training or resistance training. As well as working your muscles, it will make you stronger so that there is less pressure on the heart when you walk, breathe, and move around. You will have more energy and it will burn off more calories which can help you to lose weight which is a big reason many people have heart failure.
Another way you can help your heart is by planning your diet. There are many foods that can make your heart healthier such as nuts, veggies, blueberries, salmon, extra-virgin olive oil, soy protein, oatmeal, and spinach. It is important to get the right amount of greens in your diet such as veggies but it is equally important to get fruits as well which can lead to a healthier heart. Also, look for foods that are low in cholesterol and high in protein which help your body to run better.
You may also want to talk to your doctor about taking a effective diet pill with high levels of cholesterol reducing statin drugs which can help to reduce heart attacks. If you are found to already have clogged or inflamed arteries it is important to find something that can help relieve the pressure on your heart. Your doctor may also suggest other drugs that can help you lower your cholesterol as well. Research anything they suggest and ask for a second opinion before you jump into surgery such as angioplasty. It is important that you take control of your health as well as listen to your doctor.
You only get one heart. It is important that you make it the best it can be. If you do have heart problems then now is the time for you to change your diet, add exercise to your life, and become more aware of what you can do to improve your heart.