The Very Basics of a "Heart-Healthy" Diet and Lifestyle

Acquaint yourself with what a "heart-healthy" diet or lifestyle really boils down to. Contrary to what you may think, it's not complicated.

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Basics of Heart Health

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The very basics of diet

ELIMINATE ADDED SODIUM

Why?

Excessive salt intake is linked to high blood pressure (hypertension), which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Excessive salt consumption contributes to fluid retention and swelling, increasing the workload on the heart and vessels, and causing damage. Reducing salt intake helps lower blood pressure, thereby reducing cardiovascular strain.

How?

ELIMINATE ADDED SUGAR

Why?

Intake of added sugars is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. By cutting out added sugars, cardiovascular risks including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and inflammation are reduced. Additionally, experts are now finding that while excessive salt intake may have a more immediate effect on blood pressure regulation, high sugar consumption may contribute more significantly to cardiovascular risk factors over the long term.

How?

AVOID PROCESSED FOOD ITEMS

Why?

Eliminating processed food items can help avoid cardiovascular disease by lowering intake of excessive sugars and sodium, reducing intake of unhealthy fats, reducing intake of unhealthy additives, improving digestive health, supporting weight management, and hopefully encouraging intake of more nutrient-dense foods.

How?

HYDRATE

Why?

Adequate hydration helps maintain blood volume and proper circulation, regulates blood pressure, supports heart and lung function and elasticity, and prevents blood clots.

How?

The very basics of lifestyle

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RESOURCES

American Heart Association

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

American College of Cardiology

No content in this app, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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