Extreme dieting, stress, little sleep, poor gut health, and self-medication increase the risk of heart disease.
Heart attack remains one of the leading causes of death, despite medical advances. To prevent dangerous conditions such as infarction, stroke or cardiac arrest, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors is always emphasized.
However, cardiologist Dimitry Yaranov, working at Baptist Medical, USA, emphasized that lifestyle and overall health are the key to the decision. Here are five things to avoid when managing blood pressure to protect your heart, according to Yaranov.
Skip the cardiovascular foundation
Heart health isn’t just about blood pressure or cholesterol. Quality sleep, stress management, clean air and gut microflora all play important roles. Not getting enough sleep or prolonged stress can cause inflammation, increase blood pressure and silently damage the heart.
Medicines or tests alone cannot compensate for these factors, only a comprehensive approach can provide effective prevention.
Eating a lot of protein or meat can increase bad cholesterol and inflammation throughout the body, increasing the risk of blood clots. Image: Bui Thuy
Extreme diets
Eating a lot of protein or meat can increase bad cholesterol and inflammation throughout the body, and the risk of blood clots is high, even in healthy young people. Instead, you should prioritize a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, which both stabilize blood pressure and nourish the intestinal microflora.
Brace yourself for stress
A busy work schedule and emotional pressure easily cause many people to try to overcome stress. This habit causes a temporary increase in blood pressure. If prolonged, it leads to chronic high blood pressure and inflammation. Practicing meditation, exercising, getting enough sleep and setting emotional boundaries contribute to effective heart protection.
Neglecting the health of intestinal microflora
Cardiovascular health, including blood pressure, is strongly influenced by the microbiome. A diet rich in fiber, fermented foods and prebiotics supports microbiological balance, reduces inflammation and stabilizes blood pressure. Conversely, intestinal disorders can increase cardiovascular risk
Self-medication
Taking medications or supplements without instructions can easily sabotage efforts to protect the heart. Patients need to clearly discuss with their doctor about all medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids or stimulants before using them because they can easily increase blood pressure or cause water retention.