The 7 Most Common Mistakes That Are Harming Your Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the country. Diseases of the circulatory system account for 53.5% of total mortality and are in the first place in the structure of causes of death.

What are the most common mistakes that you make knowingly or unknowingly, that impair your cardiovascular health?

Mistake 1: You lead an unhealthy lifestyle

It’s not too late to change your lifestyle, even if you’re over 60. Lifestyle changes that will help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease include:

• Stop smoking.
• Exercise regularly as advised by your cardiologist.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and calories.
• Control your weight.
• Control your blood pressure.
• Control your cholesterol levels.
• Control diabetes or any other blood sugar abnormalities.

Mistake 2: You avoid exercise

You may be worried about overtaxing your heart, so you avoid physical activity. But regular exercise can actually be one of the best things you can do for your heart.

Exercise helps control heart attack risks related to weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

For a healthy heart, experts recommend at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise each week, such as running, walking, pilates, yoga, swimming, and aerobics.

If you already have cardiovascular disease, consult a fitness trainer and your cardiologist about the type of exercises and their intensity.

Mistake 3: Not asking your cardiologist enough questions

You don’t want to burden your cardiologist with questions, so you search for answers online. That is a big mistake.

Your cardiologist is your greatest ally when it comes to cardiovascular health. Before each examination, write a list of questions you would like to ask him. Don’t forget – there are no wrong questions when it comes to your health.

Mistake 4: Not using technology for health

Heart rate is an important measure of health and fitness. Whether you’re resting, walking, or doing an intense cardio workout, take advantage of fitness apps to track your heart rate, measure your blood pressure, and give yourself a stress test.

Today you can find countless free apps on GooglePlay and the AppStore that track your heartbeat using your phone’s camera.

Mistake 5: You think you’re too young for heart disease

A heart attack is no longer just a disease of old people. The percentage of people under the age of 40 who suffer a heart attack is increasing by 2% every year.

Statistically, men, on average, develop heart disease 10 years earlier than women.

Dispel the misconception that you are too young to have heart disease or have a heart attack. Start focusing on ways you can improve your cardiovascular health and mitigate your risk factors.

Keep in mind that people who do not smoke, who have a normal body weight and regular physical activity, and who eat a healthy and balanced diet reduce the risk of heart disease by almost 50%.

Mistake 6: Unverified information on the Internet can do more harm than good

In case you have any symptoms, such as chest pain, rapid breathing, or sweating, instead of searching the internet, consult a doctor immediately.

Social platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and forums can be useful resources for some general health issues. But when it comes to your heart health, the most reliable sources to trust are verified information from expert web portals and, of course, your cardiologist.

Mistake 7: Not using nutritional supplements to improve cardiovascular health

Dietary supplements are a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Dietary supplements based on krill oil are recommended for regulating the level of cholesterol in the blood and contribute to the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels. They have a positive effect on the reduction of total cholesterol and the LDL-fraction (bad cholesterol), and they act preventively on the HDL-fraction (good cholesterol).