Heart diseases are the leading cause of death among men and women worldwide. With unhealthy lifestyles becoming the norm, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your heart health before it’s too late.

While factors like age, genetics, and pre-existing medical conditions have a significant impact on your heart health, a daily habit that often goes unnoticed can also play a crucial role.

What is the Daily Habit That Affects Heart Health?

Sedentary behavior, also known as sitting disease, has become a primary concern for heart health. Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to an increase in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Sitting for six or more hours a day can increase your chances of developing heart disease by up to 18%. Moreover, physical activity can mitigate the harmful effects of prolonged sitting, but less than 23% of adults in the US meet the recommended physical activity guidelines set by the government.

How Does Sedentary Behavior Affect Your Heart Health?

Sedentary behavior is one of the significant contributors to heart disease and is known to trigger several other health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to a decrease in metabolism, a decrease in blood flow, and an increase in insulin resistance, which can affect the overall functioning of your heart. Furthermore, sedentary behavior can also lead to increased stress levels and inflammation, both of which can have long-term impacts on your heart health.

What Can You Do to Monitor Your Heart Health?

While age, genetics, and pre-existing medical conditions are factors that are beyond your control, sedentary behavior is something that you can change. Here are a few things that you can do to monitor your heart health:.

1. Be More Physically Active

Physical activity is one of the best ways to mitigate the harmful effects of prolonged sitting.

Make sure that you are meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines, which suggests 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. You can incorporate physical activity into your daily routine by taking the stairs, walking or cycling to work, or participating in group fitness classes.

2. Take Frequent Breaks

Take frequent breaks from sitting. For instance, if you have a sedentary job, make sure to get up and move around every hour or so. You can also use a standing desk, which will help you alternate between sitting and standing.

3. Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels is essential in maintaining heart health. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor and undergo regular physical examinations.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Following a healthy diet can do wonders for your heart health. Make sure that your diet is low in saturated fats, sodium, and trans fats and is high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Avoid processed or packaged foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.

If you find it challenging to quit smoking, seek professional help or join a support group.

Conclusion

Heart health is crucial, and sedentary behavior is a daily habit that you need to monitor.

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, taking frequent breaks from sitting, monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, following a healthy diet, and quitting smoking can all go a long way in ensuring your heart health. Make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to maintain a healthy heart, before it’s too late.