Presently, heart health is one of the significant and most important health concerns across the globe, especially because more and more people are losing their lives to cardiovascular diseases around the world.
According to healthcare experts, poor diet, genetic factors, and unregulated exercise, often lead to high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, impacting the health of a person’s heart. There are many factors that doctors use to assess the patient’s heart health.
What are the Signs of a Healthy Heart
Healthy breathing: One must perform moderate physical activities like walking, running, or lifting weights without experiencing chest pain, tightness, or breathlessness; then, the heart supplies sufficient oxygen to the body as per its requirement. If these activities cause an individual to lose their breath and require them to stop a certain activity, then one must be aware of this and take notice. One must perform simple exercises for a healthy heart on a regular basis.
Blood pressure levels: According to healthcare experts, a healthy heart blood pressure should ideally be 120/80 mm Hg or lower. If the systolic pressure of a person is 130 or higher or their diastolic pressure gets to 90 or above, then it is considered elevated. It is vital to monitor blood pressure regularly, and if an individual’s condition does not change, they must see a healthcare professional for observation and testing immediately. The most accurate way to know blood pressure is by measuring it regularly.
Energy levels: Another important indication of a healthy heart is having good energy levels during the day. If one feels tired throughout the day and finds it challenging to perform daily activities like climbing stairs, walking, or carrying groceries, one may experience fatigue. This means the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Cholesterol: Cholesterol is needed by our body to build healthy cells, but only at healthy levels. High cholesterol levels are caused due to genetic reasons or because of an unhealthy lifestyle. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are good fats that help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also reduce LDL cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol or HDL. Generally, HDL is found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish. And LDL is present in high-fat meats and dairy products. Total cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dl are considered healthy for adults. However, a reading of 200–239 mg/dl is considered as borderline high, and readings from 240 mg/dl onwards is regarded as high. As per medical ranges, healthy LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL should be greater than 40 mg/dL.
Oral Health: Good oral health also indicates a healthy heart. According to healthcare experts, those with healthier gums have lower blood pressure and respond better to medication compared to those who have poor oral health. Studies have shown that adults with severe oral issues like infections and gum diseases are more likely to have high blood pressure levels. Another study suggests that those who brush their teeth less than twice a day have a threefold increased risk of having a heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.
A healthy heart is the secret to a longer life, so minimizing the risk of heart disease is essential to keeping our hearts strong. For people with existing heart conditions, it is vital to get all parameters checked regularly and consult a specialist on regular basis.
FAQ on Heart Health
What improves the heart health the most?
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Eat a heart-healthy diet.
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Get active.
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Stay at a healthy weight.
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Quit smoking and keep your distance from second hand smoke.
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Control your cholesterol, blood glucose (sugar), and blood pressure.
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Drink alcohol only in moderation.
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Manage stress.
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Get enough sleep.
What are the Signs of a Healthy Heart?
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Having normal blood pressure, i.e., reading below 120/80 mm Hg.
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Normal resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
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Performing moderate-intensity physical activity without chest pain or difficulty breathing
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Healthy cholesterol levels prevent artery blockages.
What impacts our heart health?
Unhealthy lifestyle habits, like poor diet, genetic factors, and unregulated exercise, often lead to high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, impacting the health of a person’s heart, thereby increasing the risk of heart failure.
How to regulate Blood Pressure and Cholesterol?
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Avoid excessive salt consumption
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Consume heart-friendly fats in place of trans fats
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Be physically active
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Deal with stress properly
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If required, seek advice from a doctor and medication
How do you know if your heart is healthy?
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When you have a BMI
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Stable blood pressure
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Exercise regularly
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You have healthy lifestyle habits
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Prioritize your mental health, not just your physical health
