How to keep your heart healthy

The risk of heart disease increases can be prevented by following these steps.

The risk of heart disease increases can be prevented by following these steps.

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1 Don’t Smoke: The risk of heart disease increases drastically with the number of cigarettes smoked. The more cigarettes you smoke per day, the greater the chances you develop for major health problems.

2 Cure in laughter: Laughter is therapeutic and reduces the production of stress hormones, cortisol and catecholamine. Low stress levels means a healthier heart.

3 Take Vitamins: Vitamins are an essential part to maintain a healthy heart and it contribute to the well-being of the cardiovascular system. Vitamins B6 and B12 help prevent clogged arteries.

4 Control Weight: Obesity can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, all of which heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease. So keep a check on your weight. Eat healthy.

5 Sleep Well: Eight hours of sleep is must for a healthy heart. Lack of sleep is linked to increased risk of developing heart disease. People who sleep too much, also have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

(HTC, with inputs from Dr Balbir Singh, Chairman, Medanta, The Medicity Hospital)