Puppy Love
Are you a dog lover? Having a pet might lower your risk of heart disease, according to a review from the American Heart Association, and canine companions come top of the list. Pet ownership is associated with lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and obesity, and it’s thought pets can have a de-stressing effect on their owners, which brings a range of health benefits.
Aspirin In The Evening
In your doctor has advised you to have a daily low-dose aspirin, taking it at night time rather than in the morning could further reduce your risk of heart attack. A recent trial found that blood platelet activity was lowered in those whole switched from morning to bedtime aspiring dosing. Higher platelet activity is bad as it contributes to an increased risk of heart attack, so this tip is well worth remembering.
Trim Your Waist
Have you put on weight around your middle over Christmas? Research shows the abdomen is the worst place to carry fat in terms of heart disease risk. Stress can often cause the body to deposit fat here so tackle that if it’s an issue. Shift your belly fat and enjoy a reduced risk of a range of health conditions, not just heart disease.
Get Brushing and flossing
Get brushing and flossing because the health of your heart is linked with that of your teeth. While many studies have found evidence of this, a recent one from Sweden discovered a correlation between the numbers of teeth people had lost due to poor gum health, and the levels of an enzyme that increases inflammation and promotes artery hardening. Lost teeth also led to an increase in other risk markers for heart diseases like more bad cholesterol, higher blood sugar, and bigger waist circumference. Experts advise cleaning teeth thoroughly morning and night, flossing and having regular dental check-ups to keep on top of gum disease.
Go Veggie
A study from the University of Oxford found the risk of hospitalization or death from heart disease was 32 percent lower in vegetarians than in meat eaters.
Get Fit
Get fit whatever your age is. Researchers studied more than 9,000 men and women with an average age of 48 and tested them twice eight years apart. People who weren’t fit at the start of the study had a higher risk of heart failure after the age of 65, but those who had improved their fitness in time for the second testing reduced their risk, compared with those whose fitness level remained the same.
