Preventing Heart Disease

If you’re looking to keep your heart in optimal health, let the primary care experts at Lawndale Medical Care in Houston, TX (serving East End, Houston, TX & Pasadena, TX) guide you on your heart-healthy journey. 

4 Tips for Preventing Heart Disease 

Heart disease is a scary and potentially life-threatening condition that affects men and women around the U.S. About a quarter of deaths in America each year are due to heart disease. According to the CDC, up to 80 percent of heart disease cases are preventable with just a few lifestyle changes, including those listed below. 

Quit Smoking 

Smoking can wreak havoc on your body in many ways, one of which is to constrict your blood vessels, impacting the flow of blood to and from your heart. It also increases the amount of plaque that forms in your blood vessels. If you’re having trouble quitting, talk to your primary care physician at Lawndale Medical Clinic in Houston, TX (serving East End, Houston, TX & Pasadena, TX).

Get Moving 

Just like your arms, legs, and other muscles, your heart needs a workout, too. Keeping active at least 30 minutes a day can keep your heart pumping strong and keep excess weight off. 

For many people, a 30-minute workout routine each day can seem challenging. Just start where you are, working your way up a little at a time. For example, if you’re not active at all now, start by walking five or ten minutes per day and add a few minutes each week.

Also, it doesn’t have to be a specific type of exercise and you don’t have to squeeze it in. For instance, if you have a favorite show, watch it while you walk around your living room or hit your exercise bike. If you enjoy swimming, let that be your activity. It doesn’t matter what you do – just get moving. 

Watch Your Diet 

The types of food you eat can impact your arteries and cholesterol levels. Try to follow a healthy diet full of things like fruits, vegetables, poultry, and whole grains. You can still have fats, sugar, carbohydrates, and the unhealthier items – just limit your intake. 

Visit Your Doctor 

It’s also important that you keep all of your regular checkups, as these can help monitor your heart health. And make any additional visits if you notice signs of trouble. 

Ready for a heart-healthy lifestyle? Schedule an appointment with the primary care experts at Lawndale Medical Care in Houston, TX (serving East End, Houston, TX & Pasadena, TX) by calling (713) 924-4907.