Maintaining cardiovascular health involves exercise, a healthy diet, low body fat, and stress reduction. Excess body fat can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, while stress can cause hypertension. Quitting smoking can also improve overall health.
Cardiovascular health is a major concern for many people. A healthy heart can help prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and many other ailments. Multiple factors are involved in improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, although much of it relates to maintaining an overall healthy body. Adequate exercise, a good diet, and low body fat are a good way to start. Minimizing stress can also promote a healthy heart and avoid complications from cardiovascular problems.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is one step towards good cardiovascular health. Excess body fat can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. High cholesterol causes buildup in the blood vessels, which restricts blood flow, increases blood pressure, and puts undue stress on the vessel walls and heart. Blockages can cause a stroke or heart attack. One way to minimize cholesterol and reduce body weight is to maintain a healthy diet that is low in fatty foods and high in cholesterol.
Another way is to exercise. Burning calories through exercise reduces body fat and increases muscle. Exercise also stimulates the heart muscle and promotes healthy blood flow. Good circulation and a strong heart are part of a healthy cardiovascular system. Regular exercise will help promote an active metabolism, which, in turn, allows the body to burn fat at a faster rate. Prolonged physical activity can also help strengthen the respiratory system, helping to maintain steady breathing, which helps minimize stress on the lungs and heart during exercise.
Physical exercise is also a good way to relieve stress. Stress is another major factor in poor cardiovascular health. Not only does it cause more vascular buildup over time, but it can also cause high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. To maintain a healthy heart, avoid stressful situations if possible.
When stress cannot be avoided, try to control your reactions. Reduce daily stress through meditation exercises, yoga, breathing techniques, or other relaxation methods. If you suffer from severe high blood pressure, you may want to see a doctor about prescription medications to control your blood pressure. Therapy can also offer effective professional guidance in managing stress.
Smoking is another contributor to poor cardiovascular health. Even reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day can dramatically improve your health, although the best results come from quitting altogether. Another benefit of not smoking is the reduced risk of cancer and lung disease, as well as improved overall respiration. Tobacco smoke can have a detrimental effect on the pulmonary system and can lead to cardiovascular disease.
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