Smart Lifestyle Habits for a Healthier Heart

Most of us know that we can take “heart smart” steps to promote cardiac wellness. But sometimes, even the researchers are amazed at what a difference these lifestyle choices can make.
The American College of Cardiology reported on a study, this one on a group of over 20,000 healthy Swedish men aged 45 – 79. The researchers from Karolinska Instituet in Stockholm, Sweden studied the men for 11 years, questioning them regularly about their diet, exercise and other wellness factors.
Said study author Agneta Akesson, Ph.D., “It is not surprising that healthy lifestyle choices would lead to a reduction in heart attacks. What is surprising is how drastically the risk dropped due to these factors.”
The researchers found that each healthy lifestyle factor decreased the risk of coronary heart disease. The healthy choices include:
- A healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, reduced-fat dairy products, whole grains and fish
- Not smoking
- Walking or cycling at least 40 minutes per day
- Amount of belly fat under 95 centimeters (37.5 inches)
- Moderating alcohol consumption
According to the study authors, these preventive choices also help patients avoid the potential side effects of heart medications and, as a side benefit, save patients and the healthcare system money.
Akesson and her team report that at present, less than 2 percent of the American population follow all these recommendations.
February’s American Heart Month is a great time to make some heart-smart resolutions for ourselves, and to promote heart health for everyone. This is not just an issue for seniors. Says Akesson, “It is important to note that these lifestyle behaviors are modifiable, and changing from high-risk to low-risk behaviors can have great impact on cardiovascular health. However, the best thing one can do is to adapt healthy lifestyle choices early in life.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers resources and information for American Heart Month. [link to: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth]
Source: IlluminAge AgeWise reporting on information from the American College of Cardiology.