Tips for a healthier heart

There are many easy steps you can take to improve your heart health. Unfortunately many are living with high blood pressure, putting them at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Here are few tips for a healthier heart.

1. Know your blood pressure numbers. Having a better understanding of your numbers and taking necessary steps to get your high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

2. Commit to manage high blood pressure. Work with your doctor to create an individualised treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes that you can realistically stick to long-term to help you maintain a lower blood pressure and lower your risk for negative health consequences.

3. Be more physically active. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. It is recommended that healthy adults 18 to 65 years of age get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

4. Eat a healthy diet. Making simple dietary changes can help you manage or prevent high blood pressure. These changes should include eating less sodium, reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods you consume (especially those with added sodium and sugar), reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and eating foods that are rich in potassium.

5. Maintain or achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight can put you at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure. Take steps to maintain a healthy weight. — StatePoint