Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your heart healthy.
One of the easiest and most important steps women can take is to eat a heart-healthy diet. Talk with your health care provider about your specific needs. In general, however, a healthy diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and few sugary, salty processed foods. Cutting back on high-fat meats may also be a good choice for you. The American Heart Association has developed some simple new guidelines for heart-healthy eating.
Exercise is another important aspect of a heart-healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association’s new guidelines confirm that 30-60 minutes of movement on most days is great for your heart. This could be brisk walking, biking, or a sport you enjoy. The video below, also from the AHA, shows a Kitchen Workout for busy moms who find it hard to fit exercise into the day.
Handling stress well, managing medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and quitting smoking are other heart-healthy steps women can take. Talk with your health care provider about your heart health, and take good care of your heart.