Blossoming into Heart-Healthy Habits this Spring

Blossoming into Heart-Healthy Habits this Spring

The springtime brings warmer weather, longer days, and an opportunity to give your lifestyle habits a refresh. What better time than the turn of the season to turn a new leaf and spring into healthier habits?

The health experts at Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group are here to share some simple tips to help to support your cardiovascular system this spring and for years to come.

Leading an Active Lifestyle

With recent cooler temperatures and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have spent more time at home and decreasing our physical activity levels. This extended period of inactivity can be harmful to your heart health and increase your risk for developing heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that adults should aim to fit at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity into their weekly routine. While this may seem like a mountain of a task at first glance, even slowly introducing activity into your schedule can improve your health.

Some activities that can add to your weekly fitness goal include:

• Gardening
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Biking
• Tennis
• Nature walks
• Hiking

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

The foods that you eat affect nearly every major system in your body, including your cardiovascular health. Eating a balanced diet and making healthy food choices can help to minimize your risk of developing heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure and even reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke.

The next time you go grocery shopping, try adding these healthy options to your cart:

• Dark leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, and kale
• Fat-free or low fat dairy products
• Whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals
• Fresh fruits and vegetables

Although the following foods are fine in moderation, it’s important that you cut back on consuming the following:

• Saturated fats
• Fast food
• Creamy sauces and gravy
• Sodium
• Added sugars
• Fried foods

Keep Your Stress Levels Under Control

From sitting in traffic to getting an unexpected bill, everyone experiences heightened levels of stress from time to time. However, having too much stress in your life can increase your risk of developing heart-related health issues, making it essential for you to keep your stress levels under control.

 

The next time you’re feeling overly stressed or overwhelmed, try some of these coping mechanisms to help you feel more relaxed:

• Exercise
• Talk a walk.
• Deep breathing exercises.
• Take a warm shower or bath.
• Spend time with loved ones.
• Share a laugh with a friend.
• Listen to music you enjoy.
• Head to bed a little early.
• Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal.

Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Monitoring your blood pressure regularly is also an essential part of maintaining your overall health. When you have a healthy blood pressure, that means your cardiovascular system is able to supply different areas of your body with the oxygen, hormones, and nutrients that they need to function properly.

Blood Pressure Levels

• Normal: 120/80 or below.
• Elevated: A systolic blood pressure reading from 120-129 and a diastolic reading under 80.
• Hypertension Stage 1: A systolic blood pressure reading between 130-139 and a diastolic reading from 80-89.
• Hypertension Stage 2: 140/90 or higher.
• Hypertensive Crisis: Your reading suddenly exceeds 180/120.

If your blood pressure reading is in the hypertensive crisis category, it is advised that you wait several minutes and check your blood pressure again. If it remains high, you should seek emergency medical attention and dial 911 immediately, especially if it accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Trouble talking
• Weakness
• Back pain
• Numbness
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath

Cardiovascular Care in Dallas

At Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group, we are committed to applying our clinical excellence and expertise to treating patients of all backgrounds. With the skilled guidance of our acclaimed providers, we are keenly focused on the care of the community. Our practice specializes in the treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and structural heart disease.

To learn more about our cardiovascular services or to schedule an appointment fill out an online contact form or call (214) 946-9898.