Without your heart, you really don’t have a chance of survival, so why not work hard to take care of it? Even if you don’t have any history of heart issues in your family, it doesn’t hurt to know about the following 8 habits that are bad for your heart. If you recognize any of these as being familiar ones you personally have, then now might be the time to do something about making a change. It’s never too late to start thinking more about the health of your heart.
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8. Smoking
Blood vessels constrict whenever a person smokes or is around a large amount of second-hand smoke. Kicking the habit of smoking can not only keep your blood vessels from reducing the amount of blood that is sent to your heart, but you’ll also be on your way to better health in many other ways. You’ll get more oxygen to your heart and brain as well, which is always a good thing!
7. Ignoring Health Issues
People who have a history of heart disease in their family should have at least one check up a year, if not more. Ignoring any health issues or avoiding doctors all together won’t help you be alerted to any issues that may be present with your heart.
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6. Overeating
Eating excessive amounts or consuming foods that lack vitamins, minerals, and calories that count tends to lead to weight gain. The more overweight a person becomes, the harder the heart has to work. This puts a lot of stress on the heart and a person’s body in general. Consuming small portions of nutritionally balanced meals at regular intervals during the day is the best way to make sure you are getting what your body needs without over-doing it.
5. Drinking Excessive Amounts of Alcohol
Studies do show that moderate drinking can actually protect a person against heart disease. Moderate drinking is considered to be a single drink consisting of 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, a 12 ounce can of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or a 12 ounce wine cooler. Excessive drinking causes people with high blood pressure, an enlarged heart, or anyone with a history of stroke to endanger their lives even more.
4. Keeping Poor Track of High Blood Pressure
When you know you have high blood pressure but are too lazy to keep it in check, this can lead to heart problems later on. Don't be lazy when it comes to your health. If you know you have issues that can ultimately affect your survival, and then monitor them regularly. Preventing a health problem is much easier than trying to fix something that could have been avoided.
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3. Allowing Too Much Stress to Build up
Stress is what causes heart attacks in young, healthy individuals. Granted, there are other things that can cause heart attacks in the young as well, but stress is something that should be avoided as much as possible. Stress raises blood pressure, causes physical and mental strain on the body, and increases a person's chance of having heart issues later in life.
2. Watching a Lot of Television
Sitting on the couch tends to lead to people being overweight. Avid couch sitters usually have snacks to munch on during their television viewing. If you're sitting on the couch, then you won't be getting exercise to keep your body healthier. Leading a sedentary life means you run a much higher risk of becoming more and unhealthier as the years go on.
1. Eating Fatty Foods
Whether the fatty food is coming from a fast food restaurant or from the grocery store, your heart doesn't need it. The human body can only store so much fat before it begins to build up in unhealthy amounts. Get rid of the fatty foods and try to eat leaner cuts of meat, fresh fruits and veggies, and plenty of grains.
Do what you can to kick any of these 8 habits that are bad for your heart. The healthier you can live, the better off your heart will be. Do you have any bad habits that you know are hard on your heart, but not on this list?
Top Photo Credit: M!sS ArT ³³