As February’s love is extended an extra day this year, it gives us time to leap toward matters of the heart, figuratively and literally. Your health depends on the vitality and strength of your most essential organ – the heart. Dr. Stephen Luther has some valuable tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle that can put you leaps and bounds ahead in ensuring your heart continues beating strong for years. Keep your heart full of love for yourself and those close to you by reviewing some warning signs of potential heart concerns today!

Nourish Your Body: A heart-healthy diet is the cornerstone of good heart health. Fill your plate with plenty of vegetables, proteins, and fats. Avoid processed foods, vegetable oils, and sugar.

• Stay Active: Regular exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy heart. Mix strength and resistance training to maintain muscle with cardio (movements that increase your heart rate). SymbiosFIT offers excellent, full-body workouts in our evidence-based functional fitness classes.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart health. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Make self-care a priority and carve out time for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, seek support to quit. Your heart and your overall health will thank you for it.
• Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Keep an eye on your blood pressure and work with your healthcare provider to keep it within a healthy range. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight strains your heart and increases your risk of heart disease. Imagine the extra strain a small car engine would experience if it had to tow a tractor-trailer. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Avoid Alcohol Intake: Drinking alcohol can interrupt sleep, affect blood pressure, and change behavior, thus harming your heart.

Warning Signs to Pay Attention To

Remember, your heart is your lifeline. While these broad warning signs or symptoms may or may not indicate heart concerns, prompt recognition and attention can make all the difference in preserving your heart health:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or unusually tired
• Irregular heartbeat
• Sweating
• Nausea, stomach pain, or indigestion
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm, leg, or shoulder
• Swelling in arms, ankles, or feet

Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Stephen Luther and the team at Symbios Health regarding your health concerns and to receive annual wellness checks for a heart-healthy leap year and beyond.