Listen to your heart!
Taking Care of Your Heart: Small Changes for a Healthier Life
The heart of an adult is roughly the size of a fist, weighing around 300 grams—a lightweight compared to the human liver. Despite its size, the heart is one of the most crucial organs in our bodies. In adults, the heart beats around 80 times per minute at rest, pumping approximately 7,000 liters of blood per day. When the heart loses its rhythm and no longer functions properly, it can quickly become dangerous.
In Germany, the saying "Listen to your heart" is commonly heard, and although we may follow our hearts in emotional decisions, it seems that Germans are not paying as much attention to their heart health. According to official statistics from the Robert Koch Institute, 40 percent of all deaths in the country result from cardiovascular diseases, with approximately 280,000 heart attacks occurring annually.
Conquering the Inner Sloth
Cardiovascular diseases can now be labeled as a widespread ailment. However, it is entirely possible to prevent non-congenital cardiovascular diseases by taking on the challenge of defeating the inner sloth.
The heart is a hollow muscle that is trained with every movement. Engaging in high-performance sports is not necessary for this; activities like climbing stairs, walking, and cycling—often neglected in our modern and fast-paced lives, yielding to convenience—contribute to keeping our hearts in good shape.
Despite sounding trivial, leaving the car behind and opting to walk or cycle, choosing stairs over elevators, standing while talking on the phone, scheduling walks with friends instead of coffee dates, or taking over the living room dance floor to your favorite song—there are endless small, everyday measures that are beneficial for your heart and, consequently, your overall health.
Understanding Cholesterol and Heart Health
Just as crucial as getting enough exercise is maintaining a balanced diet: an excess of cholesterol in the blood jeopardizes the heart's performance. Cholesterol is a type of fat that can accumulate in the cardiovascular system.
When measuring cholesterol in the blood (total cholesterol), the focus is mainly on Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL). The German Heart Foundation emphasizes that Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) play a central role in vascular diseases. Scientific research has detailed how LDL cholesterol causes vascular calcification and favors the progression of deposits in the vessels (plaques). Population-based studies confirm that the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood is directly associated with the risk of heart attack and mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
If the LDL level is too high, it can be lowered through appropriate dietary habits. Experts recommend incorporating the so-called Mediterranean diet into the meal plan: with vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish, nuts, and healthy plant oils like olive oil, the heart is supported. On the other hand, animal fats from meat and excessive salt should be avoided.
CVDs are not a "men's disease"
Cardiovascular diseases are not exclusive to men—women may interpret the symptoms of heart attacks differently, as they may not always experience typical chest pain. Instead, women may have symptoms such as back pain, shortness of breath, or vomiting during a heart attack.
Cardiovascular diseases are not solely age-related either. Those who live unhealthy lifestyles, have poor diets, and lack physical activity have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, regardless of gender or age.
How can I test my heart health?
A test that checks your blood values can help you maintain a healthy heart. Check out our CoviMedical Home Tests here and learn how you can easily, safely, and discreetly test your heart health.
Source:
Lower cholesterol levels: three tips Herzstiftung | Heart Foundation
