If you have heart disease, your doctor will prescribe medications to treat your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Besides taking prescribed medications, you can also take over-the-counter supplements/vitamins and change your diet and lifestyle habits to promote a healthy heart.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS/VITAMINS:
- Cod liver oil
- Coenzyme Q 10
- Fish Oil
- Ecotrin Low Strength
- Omega 3
- Cholest Off
DIET
Limit foods that are high in bad fats: saturated fats and trans fats. These fats can block your arteries, thereby limiting blood flow to and from your heart.
- Examples of foods high in bad fats include: butter, margarine, bacon, nondairy creamers, coconut/palm/cottonseed/palm kernel oils
Limit foods that are high in salt.
- Too much salt in your diet can lead to high blood pressure. As a result, your heart has to work harder and this ultimately puts a big strain on your heart.
Eat foods that are high in good fats: unsaturated fats.
- Examples of foods that are high in good fats include: sunflower, corn, and safflower vegetable oils
Eat foods that are high in protein.
- Examples include: lean meat, poultry, fish, egg whites, skim milk, fish, beans, peas, and lentils.
Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Eat plenty of grains.
- Examples include whole-wheat flour, whole-grain bread, high fiber cereal, whole grain pasta, and oatmeal.
LIFESTYLE HABITS
Reduce stress in your life.
- Different people have different ways to coping with stress. Some examples include: going out for a jog, talking with a friend, doing yoga, and meditating in a quiet environment.
Engage in physical activity.
- Exercise at least 5 times a week, for at least half an hour each time to increase your heart rate.
Quit smoking.
- There are a lot of harmful chemicals in a cigarette that can damage the heart and blood vessels. In addition, smoking can reduce the flow of blood throughout your body.
Limit alcohol.
- Alcohol can take away the vitamins and nutrients that your heart needs to function properly.
Check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly.
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