The heart is one of the major organs of our body. Our cardiovascular system is responsible for performing and maintaining the most important functions of the human system. The heart consists of valves, arteries, veins, atrium, ventricles, etc. They function together to supply oxygenated blood to the body.
Factors That Affect Your Heart!
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Many toxic products in the environment can harm our cardiovascular system. An increase in pollution, additions of preservatives in edible products, and usage of substances such as alcohol have impacted the overall working capacity of the heart.
Many people are suffering from various heart diseases globally. Every year a huge cluster of people are treated for various heart diseases so the main question is how to protect our hearts from these harmful products? We can start the procedure of protection by accommodating a healthy lifestyle, increasing awareness, and educating people about the subject.
What is the cardiovascular system?
The cardiovascular system is the primary organ system that circulates the blood in the body. Additionally, it also aids in the transportation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other essential products throughout the human body.
The cardiovascular system consists of various parts for performing a variety of functions. The parts are as follows:
- Blood
It is one of the main components of the vascular system that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Red blood cells, platelets, and other factors make the blood one of the most essential components of the cardiovascular system and the human body.
- Blood vessels
Blood vessels are the main path to carrying blood throughout the body. They can transport the oxygenated blood from the heart to the other body parts and remove waste as well. The deoxygenated blood is also collected by the blood vessels and supplied for oxygenation.
- Heart
The heart is the main organ of the vascular system. It supports the whole body by transporting nutrients, blood, and other essential components. It consists of valves, atrium, and ventricles. Both the sides of the heart are working to provide proper blood supply to the body.
What are the main components that can affect the health of my heart?
The health of your heart decides your overall well-being. Some of the major factors that can be responsible for the damage to your heart are mentioned below:
- Following a sedentary lifestyle
In this corporate era, a sedentary lifestyle is common. People around us are working daily from nine to five to earn money. We have to follow the hustle culture to be successful. Sometimes we ignore our health due to excessive work and study pressures.
Excessive stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of exercise can damage your heart. They damage the health of your heart by affecting blood circulation. Problems such as arteriosclerosis, plaque formation, thrombosis, embolism, etc. can arise due to a lack of a properly balanced and healthy lifestyle.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
Alcohol contains various harmful ingredients that can affect our liver, heart, and other major organs of our body. So it is important to avoid excessive consumption of these substances. They can damage your overall appearance and health immensely.
- Your heart is not healthy if you are not flossing.
Your dentist will recommend flossing to keep your teeth healthy but according to research flossing is healthy for your heart as well. People suffering from CAD [coronary artery disease] when started flossing properly had fewer vascular problems. Other dental problems can also cause heart diseases so it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene to protect your heart.
- Excessive consumption of salt
Consumption of iodine-rich food can lead to problems such as edema due to impaired sodium and potassium transportation. It can also precipitate many diseases related to the cardiovascular system such as left ventral ventricular failure, thrombosis, plaque, clot formation, etc. If you want to maintain a healthy heart then you should start following a balanced diet.
Other conditions that can affect your heart are:
- Unhealthy sleeping schedules.
- Symptoms related to menopause.
- Excessive stress
- Conditions such as snoring can also affect your heart.
- Hepatitis C can impact your cardiovascular system to a large extent.
- Your vascular system is affected by various viral infections such as HIV.
- Obesity and belly fat
- Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Stressful conditions related to life such as loneliness or an unhappy marriage.
- Excessive workout
Edible products are one of the major sources that can affect your heart. Some of the food products are mentioned below:
- Food such as cookies, cakes that are rich in sugar content.
- Bacon is one of the most common foods that can cause heart-related conditions.
- Red meat can cause severe damage to your cardiovascular health if used excessively.
- Soda has excessive sugar content and its consumption can lead to several heart problems.
- Foods such as white rice, bread and pasta can also be unhealthy for your heart.
How can the environment affect my heart?
The environment is the one major source that can affect our health. We know that excessive pollution can cause several lung problems but it can also lead to several cardiovascular diseases. Many problems such as excessive pollution, deforestation, etc. have degraded the air quality around us and created an unhealthy setting for our generation.
The sheet of an unhealthy environment can cover your health and affect it immensely so it is important to support the development of the environment. According to data excessive air pollution increased the incidence of heart problems by nearly fifty percent in the last ten years.
How can I help my heart?
If you want to improve the health of your heart you can start by following the tips mentioned below:
- Add vegetables to your diet.
- Consumption of fruits can do wonders for your heart.
- Exercise daily
- Fifteen minutes of meditation can be life-changing for you.
- Accommodate exercises such as Yoga to improve the heart rate.
- Practice a hobby.
- Limit the activities that can stress you.
- Take short breaks between your working hours.
- Make a schedule.
- Practice daily life activities that can help you to stay positive.
- Follow a balanced diet.
- Count your daily calorie consumption.
Lacey Arlo is a wellness expert and a nutritionist who aims to help members with health and diet queries. Lacey Arlo has worked with junior, national, and Olympic-level athletes by providing them with customizing programmers, supplement strategies, and support during their travel and competition. From weight management, PCOD, thyroid-related weight loss, and nutrition for children to diets for pregnant and diets for senior citizens, She offers nutrition-aided solutions for different age groups with consideration for each person’s unique health demands.