5 Awful Things You Do that Damage Your Heart

The number of heart disease sufferers is increasing as we speak. Some people are more prone to cardiovascular problems because of their family history of the disease. However, everyone can preserve the health of their good old blood pump if they tackle the following health problems and adjust their life style:

1. Being Overweight

Carrying extra weight around increases your risk of heart disease big time. If you care about your heart wellbeing, you should consult a nutritionist to help you plan a suitable diet. The slightest amount of pounds you lose will make a substantial effect on your cardiovascular health.

2. Being a Couch Potato

Lack of activity is a lethal custom that many people suffer from these days. Sitting around for a long time increases bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, thus affecting your heart. Include half an hour of exercise on most days of the week, and move around whenever it is possible to avoid the major disadvantages of being inactive.

3. Smoking

Smoking doubles the risk of getting a heart attack because nicotine, and other chemicals in cigarettes, narrow blood vessels and wreck their inner lining. Fortunately, your blood vessels return back to their healthy form when you quit smoking. Hurry up and take the step towards a smoke-free life style before heart diseases attack.

4. Skipping Checkup

If you have a family history of heart disease, it is crucial to get a regular checkup on blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure so you can treat any condition as soon as it shows up. If you don’t have a family history, a checkup at least every 5 years is necessary.

5. Ignoring Important Symptoms

Symptoms like unusual fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath for no apparent reason, and pain in the back, arms, shoulders, jaw or neck, cannot be dismissed. If you experience any of those symptoms, you should head to the emergency room immediately.