Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : October 3, 2016 12:22 PM IST
Heart disease is a condition that can take a considerable toll on your daily life. While it is possible to go back to living life normally, there are a few things you should take into account to keep your heart healthy. We spoke to Mr Puneet Rehani, Physiotherapist at Delhi-based AktivOrtho , here are some tips he shared on staying healthy with heart disease.
Practice heart healthy therapies: There are a number of new therapies that help people with heart disease stay healthy and even recover from the damage that heart disease has done. Therapies like weight shifting activities, Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique, Mirror Therapy, Motor Imagery, Constrained Induced Movement Therapy(CMIT), can keep you fighting fit. You can read more about these treatment modalities here.
Stick to a healthy diet: This advice is probably one of the most common ones you've heard. But know that it is key to prevent the onset of stroke and its complications. And of course, it also helps keep your heart working like a well-oiled-machine. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, flax seed and avocados into your daily meal plan. Apart from that, loading up on healthy fats like those contained in olive oil also gives your heart health a much-needed boost. Foods like egg white, skimmed milk, low-fat cheese or unsweetened yogurt are also great for your heart health. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, these foods are perfect for your heart.
But apart from eating healthy, it is also essential that you lower the amount of salt in your diet -- anything above 1500mg can increase blood pressure and affect your heart. You may also like to read about these diet tips for people with heart disease.
Lose weight: Excessive weight only puts more pressure on your heart. The excess fat puts you at risk of atherosclerosis (block in your arteries) and other heart-related ailments. You can read more about losing weight to have a healthy heart.
Exercise regularly: Exercising is great for your heart. Not only does it help make it work better, but it also strengthens your muscles, helps you lose weight and beats stress -- all of which is perfect for the improved functioning of your heart. But if you already have heart disease, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you start. Also, make sure you speak to your physician before you start any kind of exercise.
Avoid smoking: Smoking is terrible for your entire body, and is worse for your heart health. Not only does it put you at greater risk of suffering from blockages in your heart, but it also reduces blood circulation, weakens your heart muscles and increases your blood pressure. Here's why you should quit smoking today for a healthy heart.
Limit alcohol intake: Drinking alcohol in moderation is fine, but it is when you go overboard that it has a significant effect on your health, especially your heart. Alcohol consumption affects your blood pressure and puts you are increased risk of plaque formation.
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