Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health

Source http://refineryfitnesspdx.com/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-health/

After last week’s post about foods to add to improve heart health, it seemed appropriate to add some ideas for other factors you can change to improve heart health.  These are all fairly simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in how your heart functions.  If tackling all of them at the same time feels overwhelming,  start with one and once it becomes a part of your routine, you can add the others.

Exercise:  The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week for overall heart health.  For people with concerns about high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, they recommend 40 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week.  Exercise includes anything that gets your body moving and burns calories.  Choose an activity you like and stick to it!

Decrease Salt Consumption:  In some people, sodium increases blood pressure because it holds excess fluid in the body,  placing an added burden on the heart.  The American Heart Association recommends about 1500 mgs a day of salt but most people eating a Standard American Diet c…

Source http://refineryfitnesspdx.com/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-health/

After last week’s post about foods to add to improve heart health, it seemed appropriate to add some ideas for other factors you can change to improve heart health.  These are all fairly simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in how your heart functions.  If tackling all of them at the same time feels overwhelming,  start with one and once it becomes a part of your routine, you can add the others.

Exercise:  The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week for overall heart health.  For people with concerns about high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, they recommend 40 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week.  Exercise includes anything that gets your body moving and burns calories.  Choose an activity you like and stick to it!

Decrease Salt Consumption:  In some people, sodium increases blood pressure because it holds excess fluid in the body,  placing an added burden on the heart.  The American Heart Association recommends about 1500 mgs a day of salt but most people eating a Standard American Diet c…

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