Although you may be unable to change some risk factors, such as family history, gender, or age, there are some important steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease.
When an insured dies, life insurance is designed to provide financial security for their beneficiaries. Individuals with preexisting or developing health conditions, on the other hand, may face higher premiums.
Consumers with poor heart health would fall into this category, so it makes sense for people to do everything they can to stay healthy.
Mayo Clinic physicians have compiled a list of five key heart-healthy strategies that could lower your risk of heart disease.
Do not use tobacco or smoke.
Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for developing lung disease and heart disease. Smokers will also pay a higher life insurance premium because of the negative side effects of smoking.
However, there is some good news: quitting smoking reduces your risk of developing heart disease dramatically in just one year. That is, your health will improve while you qualify for a lower premium.
Most days of the week, exercise for 30 minutes.
Daily exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity four to five days per week. This can be done in segments throughout the day.
Also, keep in mind that daily activities like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs, and walking the dog can all contribute to your weekly goal.
Adopt a healthy eating routine.
Mayo Clinic physicians advise their patients to follow a special diet known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which can help protect your heart from future diseases. Dietary information can be found here.
In summary, the diet consists of eating foods low in fat, cholesterol, and salt. Consuming more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Also, include beans and other protein sources in your diet. Limiting saturated and trans fats in your diet is an important part of this diet.
Keep a healthy weight.
Excess weight gained over time can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Calculating your body mass index is a simple but imperfect guide to determining your ideal weight (BMI). Your BMI can be calculated here.
Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Men and women who are very muscular and physically fit, for example, can have a high BMI without putting their health at risk. In this case, waist circumference can be used to determine abdominal fat.
Even minor weight loss can have a significant impact on one’s health.
Regular health examinations.
Regular health screening can detect conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes before they worsen. All of these conditions have the potential to harm your heart and blood vessels.
Blood pressure screenings begin in childhood and continue throughout an individual’s life. Beginning at the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every five years. Consult your primary care physician about the best time to screen for diabetes.