Heart Health: Cardiovascular health can be affected by everyday lifestyle habits such as prolonged sitting, unhealthy food choices and constant stress. Cardiovascular surgeon Dr Jeremy London, who has performed more than 8,000 heart surgeries, has shared five things he keeps away from based on his experience.
These include smoking, excessive consumption of processed food, sitting for long periods, loneliness and prolonged stress. According to the information shared by the doctor, small changes in daily routines can help people take better care of their heart health.
Avoid smoking
Dr Jeremy London advises staying away from cigarettes, vaping and marijuana smoking. Harmful substances present in smoke can negatively affect the heart and blood vessels. Quitting smoking is therefore considered one of the important steps towards better heart health.
Limit packaged and processed food
Chips, packaged snacks, fast food and other ultra-processed foods often contain high amounts of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. The doctor recommends including more fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and home-cooked food in the diet.
Do not sit for hours
Many people spend long hours sitting on chairs while working. According to Dr London, the human body is not designed to remain seated continuously. Even small amounts of walking can be a good start. A 10-minute walk after a meal, for instance, can be a useful daily habit.
Do not ignore loneliness
Heart health is not linked only to diet and exercise. Prolonged loneliness can also affect the body and mind. Spending time with family, friends and close ones and maintaining social connections is important.
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Avoid prolonged stress
Constant stress can increase blood pressure and put additional pressure on the heart. Instead of ignoring stress, efforts should be made to reduce it. Adequate sleep, exercise, relaxation and spending time with loved ones can help.
Risk cannot be eliminated completely
Dr London says adopting these habits does not completely eliminate the risk of a heart attack or stroke. However, a healthy lifestyle and controlling risk factors can help keep the heart in better condition.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on general health advice and should not be considered a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult a doctor or specialist before starting any new exercise routine.
