This Morning: Dr Chris discusses heart disease
“Truly preventing heart disease is a lifelong journey that revolves around embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be daunting,” Dr Uys affirmed.
“In fact, even small changes can have a big impact on your cardiovascular health.”
Dr Uys shared five key ways to reduce your heart disease risk – and even reverse the condition.
One of the key pillars of improved cardiovascular health is to “nourish your heart with a balanced diet”.
Dr Uys elaborated: “A wholesome diet plays a pivotal role in maintaining your heart health.
“Start by eating a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables like apples, broccoli or kale.”
These heart-friendly ingredients contain “powerful nutrients” that protect the heart muscle from damage caused by free radicals.
“Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa are also a great swap as they provide fibre that aids in reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining healthy blood pressure,” Dr Uys added.
“For your protein, I recommend lean sources such as fish, skinless poultry, legumes, and tofu, as they are low in saturated fat.”
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You should also eat “healthy fats”, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
Another top tip to lower your heart disease risk is to stay physically active.
“Regular exercise is like a love song to your heart,” said Dr Uys. “Exercise is so important as it helps reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, and boosting your overall cardiovascular fitness.”
Dr Uys added: “Remember, even small bursts of activity throughout the day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking during your lunch break, can make a meaningful difference over time.”
Other recommendations include managing stress levels effectively, such as mindfulness and partaking in hobbies you enjoy, not smoking, and moderating alcohol consumption.
Five ways to lower heart disease risk
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress levels
- Don’t smoke
- Moderate drinking.
“By making these informed choices and embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and promote your overall wellbeing,” said Dr Uys.
Dr Johannes Uys is a General Practitioner (GP) working at Broadgate General Practice in London.
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