Heart Attacks Striking More Young Adults: What to Do In Your 20s to Prevent Heart Disease

You might think that only older people get heart attacks, but in reality, heart attacks are more common in younger people. So if you thought you have plenty of time before you start thinking about your heart health, you were wrong. Doing your bit to take care of your heart in your 20s will not only protect your heart but also ensure that you have a long and healthy future.  Another good news is that you can prevent heart disease even if you have a family history. Here's how:

1. Don't Touch Cigarettes

You can forgive yourself if you have tried smoking once to know how it feels. But don't make smoking a habit as it can be tough to kick it off. Do not even smoke socially as it increases your blood pressure and damages your heart and blood vessels. Menopause Before 40 Can Put Women at a Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases, Says New Study

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Go to a fitness expert and check if your BMI is in the healthy range. Being overweight can raise your blood cholesterol, glucose and blood sugar levels, so even if you have to break a sweat for half an hour in the morning, do it. The Penis and Heart Connection: What Your Sex Life Says About Your Cardiovascular Health

3. Sweat As Much As You Can

A sure-fire way to stay at the top of your health is to up your heart rate for 30 minutes every day. While you have fun dancing, jogging and kickboxing, you will lower your blood pressure and the harmful cholesterol levels in the body.

4. Eat a Lot of Macros

While you may focus on just the calorie count, keeping track of your macronutrients can go a long way in keeping you at the top of your health. A diet high in lean protein, whole grains and fresh produce is directly proportional to low levels of bad LDL cholesterol and high levels of good LDL cholesterol.

5. Refrain From Synthetic Sugar

Getting 20 percent of your calories from synthetic sugar can raise the risk of heart disease by almost 40 percent suggested a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine. Everything from your sports drinks to your salad dressings and sauces contains added sugars, so steer clear of all of them.

6. Go For Vacations

According to a study published in the Framingham Heart Study, you are eight times more likely to get a heart attack than individuals who go for two breaks a year. So, pack your bags and travel. What is The Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

7. Know the Heart Attack Symptoms

It is easy to misdiagnose a heart attack, so being in the knowhow of the symptoms can always be helpful. Queasiness, fatigue and shoulder or jaw ache are some of the most common symptoms of a heart attack. Immediately rush to the hospital if something feels off to prevent a significant mishap.

Stress can also increase your blood pressure and cholesterol levels that can put you at a higher risk of heart disease. Yoga and meditation can be a great way to deal with stress and keep your heart healthy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2020 01:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).