Listen to your heart!
The heart of an adult is only about the size of a fist and weighs around 300 grams - compared to the human liver it is rather lightweight. But the heart is one of the most important organs in our body: In adults, the heart beats an average of 80 times per minute at rest and pumps about 7.000 liters of blood per day. If the heart gets out of rhythm and no longer works properly, it can quickly become dangerous.
"According to the RKI, 40% of all deaths in this country are due to diseases of the cardiovascular system."
"Listen to your heart" is a common expression in Germany - and even though we may follow our heart when making emotional decisions, we Germans don't seem to be that careful when it comes to our heart health. This is what official statistics say: According to the Robert Koch Institute, 40 percent of all deaths in Germany are due to diseases of the cardiovascular system; around 280.000 heart attacks occur every year.
Defeat the bastard
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) can unfortunately now be called a widespread disease. It is quite possible to prevent non-congenital CVD by declaring war on your weaker self.
The heart is a hollow muscle that is trained with every movement.You don't have to do competitive sports for this; Climbing stairs, walking, cycling ... everything that is often neglected in our modern and fast-moving everyday life and falls victim to convenience helps to keep our heart fit.
Even if it sounds banal: just leave the car behind and set off on foot or by bike, choose the stairs instead of the elevator, make phone calls while standing, meet friends to go for a walk instead of drinking coffee or storm the living room dance floor to your favorite song - there are endless small, everyday measures that are good for your heart and thus your health.
The role of cholesterol
A balanced diet is just as important as sufficient exercise: Too much cholesterol in the blood endangers the performance of the heart. Cholesterol is a fat that can accumulate in the cardiovascular system.
Cholesterol measured in the blood (total cholesterol) mainly consists of low-density lipoproteins(LDL) and high-density lipoproteins(HDL). The German Heart Foundation points out that low-density lipoproteins(LDL)are of central importance with regard to vascular diseases. Scientific research has now been able to explain in detail how LDL cholesterol causes vascular calcification and promotes the progression of deposits in the vessels (plaques). Population-based studies confirm that the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood is directly linked to the risk of heart attack and mortality from cardiovascular disease.
If the LDL value is too high, it can be lowered through appropriate eating habits. Experts advise integrating the so-called Mediterranean cuisine into your diet: vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grain products, fish, nuts and healthy vegetable oils such as olive oil are good for the heart. Animal fats from meat and too much salt, on the other hand, should be avoided.
CVD is not a "male disease"
Cardiovascular disease is not an exclusive "men's disease" - in women, the symptoms of heart attacks can often be misinterpreted because they do not always show the typical chest pain. Instead, women may experience back pain, shortness of breath, or vomiting as symptoms of heart attacks.
Cardiovascular disease is not necessarily a question of age either: those who live unhealthily, eat poorly and exercise little have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease - regardless of gender or age age.
How can I test my heart health?
A blood test can help you keep your heart healthy.Check out our CoviMedical Home Tests here and find out how you can test your heart health easily, safely and discreetly.
Lower cholesterol levels: three tips Herzstiftung | Heart Foundation
