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Heart Health:

Tips for a Healthy Cardiovascular System

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia. Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system is vital to overall health and longevity. The good news is, many heart conditions are preventable through lifestyle changes and routine health monitoring.

Category

Understanding Heart Health

Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout your body. A healthy cardiovascular system ensures oxygen and nutrients reach vital organs efficiently. When the arteries become clogged or narrowed, the heart has to work harder, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Risk Factors

  • Sleep disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnoea
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Family history of heart disease
Healthy Lifestyle

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Tips

  • Balanced Diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
  • Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Walking, swimming, or cycling are excellent choices.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight reduces the strain on your heart and helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease.

Regular Health Monitoring

  • Blood Pressure Checks: High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Have it checked regularly.
  • Cholesterol Tests: High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. Ask your GP how often you need testing.
  • ECG and Heart Imaging: For patients with symptoms or risk factors, your doctor may recommend further heart investigations.

Signs of a Heart Problem

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Swelling in the legs

When to Seek Medical Advice

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Swelling in the legs

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