At the, uh, heart of the circulatory system is the muscle of the same name, the life-giving pump that keeps blood flowing to all parts of your body. You presumably knew that, and you probably also know that a buildup of fatty tissue inside the arteries that feed your heart can cause major health problems. But do you know how to keep your heart healthy on a day-to-day basis? Here are your heart care essentials.
Once you hit your 30s, you need to start looking out for your heart
Although we’re talking about your 30s, obviously you shouldn’t recklessly endanger your heart in your teens or 20s. Looking after your heart is a long-term project, and while earlier is better when it comes to paying attention to getting and staying fit, it’s never too late in life to start. “Specific to our 30s is the importance of avoiding obesity, excess alcohol, having a sedentary lifestyle, and carrying a high stress burden,” says Dr Helen Hartley, associate medical director at Aviva Health. “These jeopardise our chances of staying healthy and can impair our ability to enjoy the benefits of good health.”
