While a heart attack is caused by insufficient flow of oxygenated blood to the heart which causes damage to the heart muscle, heart failure results in inadequate blood flow to the body. The heart has been under so much stress from high blood pressure or other factors that it begins to enlarge and weaken.
Eventually, the flow of blood is so insufficient that symptoms of heart failure develop. These include swelling from fluid buildup in the extremities, fatigue and shortness of breath. It can take years for congestive heart failure to develop, and it isn’t until it is critical that many people begin to notice.
The key is not to wait until this silent disease creeps up on you. There is no known cure for congestive heart disease. Therefore, the time to start thinking about it and prevention is while you are still young and healthy. Two of the main contributing factors for congestive heart failure are stresses placed on the heart by hypertension and atherosclerosis. Keeping this in mind, developing and following a heart healthy lifestyle plan can go a long way in helping you prevent this deadly disease.
High blood pressure is not fully understood, and some studies show that women don’t respond to medications as well as men. Lifestyle factors can help lower high blood pressure and can even help people avoid medication. If you smoke, quit. Smoking constricts the arteries and increases high blood pressure. It is also believed to be a contributing factor to hardening of the arteries.
Most successful heart healthy plans focus on the positive rather than on restricted items. Set your mind to eating healthy foods. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits add an abundance of nutrients, fiber and artery protecting antioxidants to the diet. Lean meat and coldwater fish are good protein sources, but some of the healthiest cardiovascular systems belong to vegetarians! Whole grains, spices and herbs round out the diet. These same food help normalize blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis, helping you prevent the occurrence of congestive heart disease.
An often-neglected area of concern is today’s overstressed lifestyle. This busy, noisy world, full of tasks to accomplish and environmental pollution takes its toll on our health and your cardiovascular system. There is considerably less debate in the medical profession today than there used to be about the benefits of being able to handle stress, both mental and physical. Try quiet meditation, contemplative walks, or yoga to distress yourself. Significant drops in blood pressure are seen when these activities become part of an everyday routine.
Do not forget exercise. Although there are hundreds of good exercise plans and plenty of advice regarding which routine is the most beneficial, studies have shown that any exercise is vastly better for your heart than no exercise. Find something you enjoy and can stick to and make it a part of your daily routine. If you enjoy yoga, try some of the more strenuous workouts. Jogging, walking, swimming and bicycling are all great ways to enjoyably exercise.
Yes, congestive heart disease is growing problem, but it does not have to be your problem. Do all you can today to make sure you heart stays healthy!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
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