One in every six U.S. healthcare dollars is spent on cardiovascular disease. The Centers for Disease Control says that by 2030 annual direct medical costs associated with cardiovascular diseases are projected to rise to more than $818 billion.
While statistics such as these are pretty grim, find reassurance in knowing that incorporating a heart healthy lifestyle along with addressing cardiac concerns timely can do much to improve these figures.
While serving in their role as the heart’s strongest advocate, the American Heart Association, encourages everyone to participate in what is referred to as Life’s Simple 7.
Topping this list is the immeasurable value of being physically active. This includes talking with one’s health care provider about developing a plan that includes a combination of muscle strengthening and aerobic activity. Regular exercise is good for the heart because being active, can reduce the risk of stroke and helps lower blood pressure.
A recent study out of the Boston University School of Medicine indicated that older adults who scored highly on cardiorespiratory fitness tests displayed more brain activity while learning and performed better on memory tests than their less physically fit counterparts.
Through getting fitter, there may be more motivation to be more mindful about food choices. And, yes because of the well documented increased risk for heart attack, aneurysm, and blood clots (among other potential life altering consequences), today would be a good day to quit smoking.
As well as these noted health recommendations, there is interesting research possibly linking positive emotions with a lowered risk for heart disease. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that life satisfaction, optimism and happiness were associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and delayed the progression of the heart disease. One of the authors of the study noted that “the most optimistic participants in the study, had a roughly 50 percent reduced risk of experiencing an initial cardiac issues than a less hopeful participant.”
While this research is far from conclusive, there is some suggestion that people with a sense of personal contentment made good decisions regarding their health patterns including exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting sufficient sleep.
Do what you can to take care of this precious muscle.
Marci Vandersluis is a licensed social worker and has a master’s degree in gerontology. She is employed as a care manager assisting older adults in the community connect with needed services. Email: marcirobinvandersluis@gmail.com.
Learn more
American Heart Association: www.heart.org
Diet help: Tips from the Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatrightohio.org/aws/ODA/pt/sp/home_page
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