Winters are generally associated with less movement and a more sedentary lifestyle. But this can be harmful to our health, especially our heart health.
Colder months increase the risk of heart attack or myocardial infarction and can cause sudden cardiac failure, causing death. Hence, taking precautions like monitoring blood pressure regularly, investing in warm clothes, staying indoors, having a balanced diet, and maintaining an active lifestyle is vital during winters.
Here are seven ways to ensure good heart health.
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Adopt heart-healthy nutrition: Winter season is typically associated with an increased urge to eat more. One may get tempted to indulge in rich and calorie-laden meals. However, it is important to strike a balance and focus on a heart-healthy diet. One must incorporate fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, rich in nutrients that support cardiovascular health and help control cholesterol levels. People must also be mindful of their salt intake, as excessive salt can cause hypertension.
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Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential for heart health in colder weather. One must drink warm beverages like herbal teas and soups to stay warm. It may help maintain blood volume and viscosity, enabling the heart’s pumping efficiency.
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Regular Blood Pressure Check: During winter, high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Hence, establishing a monitoring routine is crucial, as early detection of health issues allows for timely intervention. One can use devices like an aneroid monitor, smartwatches with BP monitors, and digital monitors to regularly check the blood pressure.
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Adhering to medication: The risk of infection, especially flu, increases in winter. So, it is advisable to receive pneumonia and influenza vaccines promptly to defend against chest infections. Moreover, preserving heart health, particularly for individuals with heart conditions, involves prioritizing proper compliance with cardiac medications prescribed by the doctor.
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Stay active: During winter, physical activity and regular exercise are crucial to improve heart health. Due to harsh weather conditions, outdoor exercise may become challenging. Therefore, one must indulge in indoor exercise for at least 30 minutes, brisk walks during daylight hours and maintain a consistent exercise schedule to keep active.
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Keeping our bodies warm: It is advisable to keep our bodies warm throughout the season, especially in places with low temperatures. Hence, investing in warm clothes like jackets, hats, boots, and gloves can help trap the heat and keep us warm. It also reduces the chance of catching infections, which may help in reducing the risk of developing any health complications.
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Cardiology Health Plans: The last and most important point is that one must subscribe to cardiology health plans, especially in case of an existing cardiac issue. These plans help an individual monitor health regarding all vital parameters that indicate heart health. Book Livlong Cardiology Plan Today!
Benefits of Livlong Cardiology Plan: The Livlong Cardiology Plan helps in ensuring good heart health. It includes important tests like ECG, CRP, Lipid Profile, etc. These tests help understand an individual’s basic health and help determine a treatment plan if required. This plan also provides Cardiologist and General Physician consultation and a personalized diet plan from nutritionist.
We cannot avoid seasonal changes, but what we can do is constructively adapt to the weather. By adopting these strategies, one can fortify one’s cardiovascular well-being. These will not only help a person navigate the challenges of winter but also set the stage for a heart-healthy lifestyle throughout the year.