Among the many biological systems in your body, the cardiovascular system can be considered the most integral one for your well-being. Since it controls your heart, blood, and blood vessels, it’s responsible for delivering oxygen and other nutrients throughout your body. Without it, your chances of survival or living comfortably can be slim to none.
How to take care of your cardiovascular system
Like any organ system, taking care of your cardiovascular system includes a combination of different lifestyle choices. Acts such as staying physically active, watching your diet, and cutting down on vices can considerably improve your overall well-being.
If you want to maintain your cardiovascular system’s health, here are five healthy habits you should adopt:
Manage your cholesterol levels
Your diet will contribute to several other organ systems in your body. In your cardiovascular system, high cholesterol levels can put you at risk of building up LDL cholesterol that can calcify into hard plaque. The presence of these blockages can increase your risk of getting heart attacks or stroke. It’s best to cut down on food items with high LDL when creating your meal plans.
Watch your weight
The heavier you are, the more your heart needs to pump out blood. This means that the excess weight you develop can lead to issues on blood flow and blood pressure due to your heart working overtime. Besides overworking your heart, you’re at risk of diabetes if you have an uncontrolled diet. Some people are more prone to developing diabetes if their parents have a genetic history of having it. Remember to report this to your physician to add to your medical history.
Maintain an active lifestyle
Living idly is just as dangerous as eating unhealthy food. If you’re not bingeing on high-cholesterol food, yet you sit around all day, you’re still putting your body at risk. Make it a goal to perform regular physical exercises at least 30 minutes a day to stimulate good blood flow. Doing so will keep your heart healthy and promote better heart function.
Eliminate your smoking habits
For some people, smoking is a way to destress by introducing nicotine into the body. However, it can have adverse effects on your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Smoking prevents your body from getting a full amount of oxygen-rich blood. Additionally, it increases your risk of having cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.
Keep your blood pressure at safe levels
Keeping your blood pressure levels at a safe level is crucial to maintaining your cardiovascular system’s different components. High blood pressure can lead to hypertension, putting you at risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. On the other hand, low blood pressure can lead to potential permanent damage to your heart and brain due to a lack of oxygen. Reducing your stress levels and committing to all of the habits above can ensure that you’re not going beyond or under your heart’s limits.
Conclusion
Keeping a healthy lifestyle is an excellent solution to keep your body’s systems organs in working order. However, you still need the right guidance to ensure that you’re taking steps in the right direction. Consulting with a medical professional on your lifestyle changes will give you a clearer objective on approaching your transition to live healthier.
If you’re looking for the right primary care doctor in North Bergen, NJ, contact us today! Our board-certified physicians at the Garden State Medical Group can give you the appropriate medical advice for your specific condition. With our primary care physician’s help, you can keep your cardiovascular system out of harm’s way well into your golden years.