Researcher Suggests Three Simple Tips for a Healthy Heart

Raising awareness on heart diseases is the best way to promote American Heart Month, says researcher Valentine Fuster.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in America and the condition tops the list of serious health problems across the globe.

According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 600,000 U.S. citizens die from heart problems and nearly 715,000 Americans suffer heart attacks every year. The overall annual expenditure on heart health amounts to $312.6 billion. The deadly disease is growing at an alarming rate. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, discomfort and weakness or light-headedness. Prior studies emphasized on early action and prevention to fight against the disease.

Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart and past president of World heart federation has been working in the field of cardiology for more than three decades. He suggests three simple steps that can be followed by adults to prevent risks of heart diseases.

Daily physical activities and exercises like swimming, brisk walking, bicycling and aerobics coupled with a balanced and healthy diet helps men and women keep fit and active. He recommends regular intake of food rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and enough water to keep the body hydrated and healthy.

Tobacco smoking should be avoided. The study also warns people to limit exposure to second hand smoking which is associated with coronary artery calcification- a deadly condition involving build-up of calcium in the heart arteries.

Fuster also suggests parents to monitor  eating habits of children when they are three to five years old. This helps to keep a check on weight and obesity related issues that are known to cause heart diseases. He advises parents to limit the consumption of processed food and soft drinks rich in salt and fat. Encouraging outdoor physical activities like games and exercise helps children avoid spending time in front of television and computer games.