Valentine's day is undeniably a celebration of our most valued relationships. From families, partners, and even pets, we express our love and gratitude every February. And when you look into your significant other's eyes, your heart starts to flutter and skip a beat. Make sure it's just butterflies that you're feeling and not atrial fibrillation.
This Heart's Day, why not take some time to show some self-love and make sure that your heart's health is just as a priority as chocolates and bouquet. Ensuring your heart's ticking on the beat isn't complicated, nor is it as expensive as a gift from Pandora. It takes a few healthy habits to ensure that your body is healthy.
Valentine's Heart Health Tips from Science
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death in the U.S is heart disease. One person dies every 36 seconds due to cardiovascular diseases, roughly 655,000 Americans in a year.
Yearly, 805,000 Americans have a heart attack, that's one every 40 seconds. On the other hand, 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent where damage is done on the heart, but the person is unaware. This makes heart health an incredibly important topic that can easily be amended by including a few healthy habits in your day to day life.
Not Just Chocolates and Wine
Everyone knows that the go-to aphrodisiac, especially on Valentine's Day, is chocolates and wine. A nutritious and balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining heart health.
According to the Department of Health & Human Services, diet is an important risk factor in coronary heart disease. Eating a wide variety of foods has multiple benefits to your health and will significantly reduce heart disease risks.
Make a meal plan containing colorful, nutrient-rich foods with fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and healthy protein from seafood, legumes, and nuts.
ALSO READ: Study Reveals One Factor That Can Predict Stroke, Heart Attack
Strengthen Your Heart
Like all muscles in your body, your heart grows stronger with exercise. Adults should incorporate at least 150-minute moderate-intensity workouts like aerobic exercises such as biking, swimming, walking every week, and a 75-minute intense activity that gets your heart pumping, such as tennis and yard work, running.
Keep Your Mind Healthy and Your Heart Happy
Much like your body's health, mental health has a significant effect on your heart's health. But recent research shows that the biological chemicals that trigger mental health issues also influence heart disease.
The CDC says that the physiological effects of mental health issued in time could lead to metabolic disease, calcium buildup in the arteries, and heart disease.
By taking steps to manage your emotional well-being and mental health like developing healthy coping skills, taking breaks, and stress management, you're keeping your mind healthy and your heart happy.
This Valentine's day, with all the glitz and glam of making your loved ones happy, don't forget to save some love for yourself and your body. Science says that adding a few habits in your day-to-day life keeps your heart healthy and happy.
Related Story: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Hispanic-Style Soft Cheese Sends at Least 7 to the Hospital
Check out more news and information on Medicine & Health on Science Times.
