Best Foods for your Heart Health

Heart disease continues to claim many lives in the United States. Helping to keep your heart healthy and happy requires some effort on your part. Your heart will thank you with each beat!  Start by having regular medical checkups, avoid smoking, and exercise daily. In addition, take care of what you eat. The following foods, when included as part of a regular, sensible diet can contribute positively to the health of your heart.

1.     Broccoli

Studies reveal that regular consumption of steamed broccoli can help prevent heart disease in that it helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

2.     Berries.

Berries are known to have antioxidant polyphenols. Antioxidant polyphenols have been proven to reduce the risk of contracting heart diseases. In addition, berries provide our bodies with calcium, folate, iron vitamin A and C - and they taste delicious!

3.     Nuts.

Most varieties of nuts are heart friendly. For instance, peanuts, almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts provide a great source of fiber, protein, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. In addition, nuts such as walnuts are known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

4.     Spinach.

Spinach is a good source of magnesium which contributes greatly to a healthy heart. Magnesium helps maintain a good heart beat.

5.      Tomatoes.

A widely used fruit in the US, tomatoes are rich in nutrients that contribute greatly to a healthy heart. For instance, tomatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, choline and folate which help keep our hearts healthy. Besides helping maintain a healthy heart, potassium is vital in our bodies as it strengthens muscles and bones. Additionally, consuming food rich in potassium can help avoid kidney stones. According to scientists, increased intake of potassium accompanied by low intake of sodium is a sure way to reduce the chances of getting heart diseases.

6.     Fish.

Eating fish rich in omega-3s is good for your heart.  The omega-3 fatty acids and protein found in fish are known to contribute greatly to maintaining a healthy heart. Mostly, doctors recommend regular intake of fish to people who are at the risk of developing heart diseases or those who already are suffering from heart illnesses.  AHA (American Heart Association) suggests that we should consume a 3.5 ounce of fish rich in Omega-3s at least two times per week so as to maintain a healthy heart.

Proper diet intake and living a healthy lifestyle are two simple ways to maintaining a healthy heart. Watch your diet and ensure you incorporate the aforementioned foods to your daily dietary intake in the right portions in order to avoid the risk of heart diseases. Here's to your health!

Live Life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Things to Know About Congestive Heart Failure

Heart disease continues to claim many lives even in this 21st Century of medical advancement and abundance of education on proper diet and exercise. For improved overall health, it's imperative to take good care of your heart. Today is a good day to start!

There are many health issues associated with heart disease, which includes Congestive Heart Failure, abbreviated as CHF. This is not actually a disease but rather a condition of the heart. CHF results from prolonged overworking of the heart. When your heart is forced to work extra hard for many years, it can develop this condition where the normal blood flow slows.

Slowness in blood flow has a negative impact on the rest of the body. When this occurs, the heart is not able to pump oxygenated blood with the force required. Consequently, your organs and tissues won’t get sufficient oxygen, which negatively interferes with how they function. Luckily, if this condition is detected and diagnosed early enough, it is easy to control and manage.

What are some of the symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention):

1. Severe chest pains and persistence cough

2. Swollen legs, ankles, and abdomen - this is as a result of fluid retention in the body.

3. Shortness of breath is also a common symptom for CHF. 

4. Fatigue even after doing very light activities.

There are many factors that can expose you to congestive heart failure. Some of the factors include the following:

· If you have diabetes.

· Coronary Artery Disease.

· High blood pressure which causes thickening of heart muscles

· Infections or diseases that make the heart muscles weak or stiff.

· Living an unhealthy lifestyle. For instance not exercising regularly or smoking of tobacco.

· Continued exposure to toxins, such as drugs, tobacco, alcohol.

· Damaged heart valves and prolonged cardiac arrhythmia.

· Kidney diseases.

· Emotional stress and depression.

· Liver diseases.

· High salt intake

· Nutritional deficiencies. 

Keep close tabs on the health of your heart, and get your annual medical exams. Early detection of CHF can make all the difference between making simple lifestyle changes and more severe medical solutions.  

Live Life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.