By Arthur A. Burley 
Heart disease has been cited as one of the most common causes for death in many nations. No matter your age, keeping your heart healthy can help to prevent heart disease and complications. Here are some common ways to keep your heart healthy.
- A healthy weight and ideal height are important for your health.
- A healthy heart can be achieved by avoiding alcohol or smoking.
- Walking for at least 30 minutes per day can increase your heart pumping ability and reduce excess fat. Research shows that adults who sit less during the day are at a lower risk of early death, especially heart disease.
- A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
- Better heart health can be achieved by avoiding excessive salt, fat, or sugar in the diet. Instead of salt, use herbs and spices.
- If directed by your doctor, you can take the necessary medication for preexisting conditions.
- Regular water intake can help keep the body hydrated. According to dieticians and health professionals, people may need to drink 4 to 5 litres of daily fluids.
- Cardiovascular health is affected by the mind-body connection. Deep breathing and meditation, mindfulness, prayer, or other means to reduce stress can help keep your heart healthy.
- Regular sleep cycles may increase immunity. This directly or indirectly helps to maintain a healthy heart.
- Flaxseeds and walnuts are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. This can help reduce swelling and protect the heart. They may also lower cholesterol.
- Small, frequent meals can help with portion control to curb hunger pangs.
- Sexual activity may lower blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that lower levels of sexual activity are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease.
Regular health checks are a key way to keep your heart healthy. Talking to a doctor is important if you have any behavioural concerns (unhealthy diets, inactivity, tobacco use, or alcohol) so that they can plan lifestyle changes to improve your heart health.
What are the most common causes of heart disease?
Heart disease is most commonly caused by:
- Inactivity
- Preexisting conditions such as obesity and high cholesterol or diabetes.
- Familial history inherited gene.
- The unhealthy lifestyle includes stress less sleeping, smoking and other bad habits
What are the most common heart diseases?
The heart is the most important organ in the body. Understanding the signs and strategies for heart health may be crucial. Here are some common heart diseases:
- Heart rhythm: Arhythmia is a condition in which the heart’s electrical impulses are altered. A variety of symptoms can result from arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats that cause the heartbeat to be too fast, too slow, or irregularly. One of the most common conditions in the heart is arrhythmia.
- A heart valve disease is a condition in which four valves work together to ensure that blood flows in the right direction. A malfunctioning one or more of the four valves in your heart can lead to heart valve disease. Either the valves can narrow down and block blood flow from one chamber to another, or they may become floppy and cause backflow. These conditions can increase the workload of the heart and exhaust it.
- Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common form of heart disease. CHD occurs when plaque builds up in the walls and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. CHD can eventually lead to a heart attack.
- This is a condition where the heart’s pumping power is insufficient to supply the blood and oxygen needs of the rest. There are many causes of weakening the heart muscle.