Keep your ticker fit for Valentine’s Day and beyond
Stay active The key to heart health is to keep moving and avoid being sedentary. Aim to get your heart rate up with at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week.
Eat healthily Limit your consumption of red meat, sugar and unhealthy fats. Add fruits and vegetables to your diet to increase your fibre consumption.
Stop smoking Smoking not only damages your lungs, it also negatively affects your heart health. Once you stop smoking, your odds of developing heart disease drop rapidly.
Keep your weight under control Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart attacks, heart failure and diabetes. A healthy diet with portion control and regular exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce your salt intake Retrain your taste buds to become accustomed to a lower-salt diet, and you’ll notice subtle flavours again.
Know your cholesterol levels High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease so get your cholesterol levels checked now.
Check your blood pressure High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Many people are unaware they have this condition.
Keep an eye on blood sugar levels Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes, a strong risk factor for heart disease. Ask your doctor if you’re at risk.
Reduce stress Stress is a strong risk factor for heart disease, especially for women. Try meditation, yoga, or simply being silent and still for 10 minutes a day.