from getting to the heart . Strokes are similarly caused by a blood clot in the brain , which leads to a bursting blood vessel .
Heart failure is when the heart can ’ t pump enough blood to provide oxygen to the body ( it does not necessarily mean that the heart has stopped beating ).
Heart rate irregularities , or arrhythmia , occur when the heart ’ s natural “ lub-dub ” rhythm is off-beat for some reason .
Heart valve diseases occur when one of the four heart valves is not working properly .
All of these issues have something in common — blood . Keeping healthy blood is key to making sure your heart can pump it through the body .
One way to avoid this is to avoid tobacco of any kind , says Dr . Makwana . Tobacco can cause plaque to form inside the blood vessels . As the plaque builds up , the blood can thicken and , if tobacco use continues , a clot can form . Clots , as mentioned earlier , can directly cause
heart attacks and strokes . So to lessen your chance of this happening , stop smoking .
Exercise also can help reduce heart problems . Said Dr . Makwana , “ Ideally , [ you should ] exercise at least 30 minutes a day , at least five days a week .”
Makwana said brisk walking , running , swimming , cycling , playing tennis , and jumping rope are all ways someone can get the blood flowing and keep the heart healthy .
In total , at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity is just what the doctor ordered .
As for diet , a variety of fruits and vegetables helps the heart . Whole grains and products made up of mostly whole grains and healthy sources of protein are also a must . While hardy meats are the most readily-available ways to get protein , Makwana points to legumes and nuts , fish and seafood , low-fat or nonfat dairy and lean unprocessed meats as great alternatives .
Non-tropical vegetable oils and a minimization of added sugars and salts can also help a person cut back on arteryclogging substances .
If someone ’ s having problems with their heart , chest discomfort or discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as back , neck , jaw , or stomach can be signs pointing to heart issues .
Feeling like one is having trouble breathing can actually be caused by poor circulation . Our body ’ s detection of carbonic acid buildup is how we know we ’ re suffocating . Feelings of choking despite no blockage of the airway is a good sign of a problem with the heart .
Makwana recommends screening as early as age 20 . Tests of blood pressure , cholesterol levels , BMI , blood glucose , and discussions of smoking , physical activity , and diet , are all things that we should engage in when going to the doctor .
As the old saying goes : an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure .
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32 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky february 2023