Did you know that being more mindful of your lifestyle habits can affect your heart health?

February is American Heart Month and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking are all great ways to prevent heart disease. 

Many young people assume they don’t need to worry about heart health, however, how you live your life now, as a young adult, lays the groundwork for heart health as you age. The cumulative effect of poor habits, such as sitting in front of screens for long periods of time, eating ultra-processed foods and fast food, slowly increases your risk over time. Build the foundation of a healthier heart today by changing one or two lifestyle habits.

If you smoke, it’s never too late to quit. Quitting can reduce your risk of heart disease. E-cigarettes may also come with heart risks. Also, vitamin and supplement brands claim to reduce your risk of heart disease. However your body absorbs and uses vitamins and minerals best when acquired through foods. Skip store-bought supplements and eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, to including a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables.

Mental health is a contributing factor to heart health. A study published in early 2023 by the Journal of the American Heart Association found that young adults who self-reported feeling depressed or having poor mental health days had higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, and risk factors for heart disease compared to their peers without mental health issues. When feeling stressed, your heart rate and blood pressure rise. When feeling down you may eat poorly, drink alcohol, sleep less, and feel less motivated to exercise, which negatively impacts your heart. Think about how your emotions and habits may contribute to a healthy heart and be more mindful of the decisions you make each day.

For more information, contact your local Semper Fit team for lifestyle tips.