The 29th of September is World Heart Day. A day where there is a multi-lingual, international campaign by the World Heart Federation to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, its signs and symptoms, and how people can protect their heart health with simple lifestyle changes. As a leading cardiovascular center in Tampa, we’re passionate about heart health and the goals World Heart Day is trying to achieve.
What is World Heart Day?
World Heart Day is an annual event where the WHF and World Health Organization work together to educate and inform people worldwide about the risks of heart disease. The first World Heart Day took place on September 24th, 2000. There are many different ways to participate, from sharing creative content on social media to taking part in a walking/cycling challenge in your local area.
How to Improve Heart Health?
Even making small changes to your lifestyle can go a long way toward improving your heart health. Some simple things to consider include:
- Get Moving: The WHO recommends people aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week. Whether that’s going for a short walk every day, or attending a spin class, the choice is yours. Find an activity that’s fun for you and you’ll reap the benefits in improved mood and mental clarity, and a healthy heart.
- Cut Back on Unhealthy Habits: Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure. If you engage in these activities, try to cut back. You’ll save money and be healthier for it.
- Aim For a Healthy Diet: Try to eat a varied and balanced diet including at least five portions of fruits or vegetables per day, and aim to consume heart-healthy foods.
The Best Foods For Heart Health
Heart-healthy foods include:
- Nuts
- Oily fish
- Leafy greens
- Dark chocolate
- Whole Grains
The Best Exercises for Heart Health
Any form of cardiovascular exercise can be beneficial for your heart. If you haven’t exercised recently, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor first and start with gentle exercises such as:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Low-impact aerobics
- Pickleball
- Cycling
Be Proactive With Your Heart Health
If you have any concerns about your heart health, don’t ignore them. Speak to your doctor as soon as possible to get peace of mind. At South Tampa Cardiology, Dr Alberto Morales provides preventative heart disease care. Our heart health center is one of the leading facilities for cardiac services in Tampa and we can help individuals who are at the earliest stages of heart disease, helping them stay healthy and active for as long as possible.
If you’d like to know more about our tests, diagnostics, and preventative care, contact us today to request a consultation.