Take care of heart health after the age of 40: To avoid heart attack, these 7 habits suggested by cardiologist will change your life.

With increasing age, it is natural for the body’s functionality and heart arteries to change. According to medical experts, turning 40 is the time when the functioning of your heart needs special attention. Nowadays, due to modern lifestyle, stress and irregularity in eating habits, the cases of heart attack are increasing rapidly even at young age. Cardiologists believe that if you make some important changes in your lifestyle after 40, the risk of heart diseases can be reduced to a great extent. Let us know those 7 important habits which will keep your heart young and healthy for a long time. 30 minutes of exercise and activity daily The first mantra to keep the heart healthy is physical activity. At least 30 minutes of brisk walking, yoga, or any aerobic exercise daily strengthens the heart muscles. It not only keeps blood pressure under control, but also helps in maintaining normal cholesterol levels. If you can’t go to the gym, climbing stairs or being active with household chores can also be beneficial for heart rate. Balance of satvik and nutrients in food and heart health is directly related to your plate. After 40, eliminate excessive salt, sugar and saturated fat (like fried foods) from your diet. Include omega-3 fatty acids, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits in your diet. Food rich in fiber prevents blockage in the arteries and maintains smooth blood flow to the heart. Yoga and meditation for a stress-free life: In today’s busy life, stress has become a major cause of heart attack. During mental stress, the level of cortisol hormone increases in the body, which puts pressure on the arteries of the heart. Do meditation or deep breathing exercises for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day. It calms your nervous system and helps keep blood pressure stable. Regular health checkups and screening Heart problems often do not show any symptoms in the early stages. After the age of 40, get a full body checkup done at least once a year. Regular monitoring of lipid profile, blood sugar and blood pressure can alert you to any potential danger. Timely recognition is the most effective way to avoid an emergency like a heart attack. Complete abstinence from smoking and alcohol: Consumption of tobacco, smoking and excessive alcohol makes the arteries of the heart hard and weak from inside. This accelerates the process of plaque accumulation in the arteries, due to which the risk of heart attack increases manifold. To keep the heart healthy, the only option is to give up these addictions completely. Adequate sleep is essential. Lack of sleep has a direct impact on your heart health. People who are unable to get 7 to 8 hours of deep sleep every day are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease. While sleeping, the body repairs itself and the heart gets rest. Therefore, make a habit of sleeping early at night and waking up on time in the morning. Weight control and body mass index (BMI) Increasing weight, especially belly fat, is a sign of metabolic syndrome which directly puts pressure on the heart. Keep checking your BMI and maintain it within a healthy range. By keeping the weight under control, the heart does not have to work extra hard to pump blood in the body, which increases its lifespan.