Surprising Ways to Boost Heart Health

How do you boost heart health? What helps your heart? How do you keep your heart healthy?

A vibrant and nutritious meal featuring an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, a bowl of mixed tree nuts, and a steaming cup of coffee, perfect for a wholesome start to the day.

What are the best ways to boost heart health? 

A healthy diet and regular exercise are usually the most recommended ways to take care of your heart health, but they’re not the only ways. Recent studies from University of Michigan, Loma Linda University, Journal of American Medical Association, and the American Heart Association have found several unsuspected ways to keep your heart healthy.

Why do I need to take care of my heart health?

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States for men and women of all adult ages. However, unlike many other diseases, heart disease is largely preventable through awareness, good lifestyle habits, and regular check-ups. You don’t always have control over your health, but when it comes to your heart, your choices make a huge difference.

What are unexpected ways to boost heart health?

It turns out several everyday activities and a few medications are now linked to a healthier heart. Here are a few surprising things that help your heart: 

1. Get a flu shot. On average, getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of heart-related disease by up to 36%.

2. Take a hot shower or bath. Just like a sauna, high-temperature showers and baths can help dilate your blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

3. Moderate coffee. Studies have shown that moderating coffee intake can reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Rinse out the extra salt. Sodium is a huge problem when it comes to heart disease, and most of us eat extra sodium without ever knowing it. You can limit that amount by rinsing any food you get out of a can and limiting take-out.

5. Try a tree nut. Specific nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and cashews, can lower heart disease risk by as much as 27%.

6. Beyond weight and blood sugar management, GLP-1 medications may offer significant cardiovascular support by potentially lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. If you have concerns about your heart health, it might be a good idea to discuss these benefits with your doctor. As these are prescribed medications, they should only be used under professional medical guidance and recommendation.

   
   

How do you prevent and treat heart disease?  

As we can see, there are lots of new and traditional ways to support heart health. The most important one, however, will always be checking in with your doctor. 

Make an appointment with your primary care provider at sachealth.org/appointments today and speak to a doctor about a heart-healthy lifestyle.