Tips to Manage and Improve Your Heart Health

Despite the fact that the warning signs of heart disease are well-known, as are the risk factors that contribute to heart disease; the number of heart disease related deaths is nevertheless reaching alarming proportions and women are as much at risk as men. In this article we will discuss six ways in which you can improve your heart health without the need for a complete lifestyle overhaul.
1. Watch that waistline
While we all need to watch our overall weight, our waistlines specifically are excellent indicators of how healthy our hearts are. Women whose waistlines measure more than 89 centimetres and men with waistlines exceeding 102 centimetres are most at risk of developing heart disease. Research has indicated that the health of your heart can be substantially improved by losing a mere five to ten percent of your body weight.
2. LOL is the best medicine
Yes, it’s true. Laughing out loud on a regular basis lowers our stress levels and gives our immune systems a boost. People with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol generally have normal blood pressure levels, stronger immune systems and are less likely to suffer from depression, a condition that is known to affect your heart. Try to make time for activities that put a smile on your face and surround yourself with positive people.
3. Having regular sex can reduce the risk of heart disease
As mentioned earlier, engaging in pleasurable activities lowers stress levels, making it an easy and natural way to be kind to your heart. Research has indicated that having sex at least twice a week can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in men.