Heart healthy lifestyle tips
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for veterans aged 50 years and over? This means that if you are a veteran aged 50 years or over, you are at increased risk of heart disease.
Your heart is a vital organ (actually a muscle) with the very important job of pumping blood all around your body, carrying oxygen and nourishment that you need to be healthy. There is no one thing that causes heart disease but there are risk factors that contribute to your chances of developing heart disease or experiencing a heart episode.
The good news is there are positive steps we can all take to help make our hearts healthier and stronger, regardless of our age or gender. Even if you have heart disease or have suffered a heart condition in the past, it’s not too late to make positive lifestyle changes. Below are some ways you can reduce your risk and lead a heart healthy life:
- Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Consuming alcohol can have an immediate impact on the cardiovascular system, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure; it can also reduce the effectiveness of some medications. Long-term impacts of prolonged drinking can lead to a weakened heart and an irregular heartbeat, as well as weight gain.
- Eliminate any exposure to cigarette smoke, as a smoker or from second hand smoke. Smoking can cause your heart rate to increase, restrict blood flow in major arteries and cause an irregular heartbeat. Furthermore, chemicals in cigarette smoke have been found to cause the blood to thicken, which can lead to clots. Blockages from a clot can lead to a heart attack or sudden death, while restricted blood flow can cause a stroke.
- Be physically active on most if not all days of the week. Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger and can increase the amount of blood and oxygen your heart pumps around your body. Remember – any activity is better than none.
- Eat healthy unprocessed foods, consuming a balanced diet from all food groups. Consuming a healthy diet can help you to manage your weight, cholesterol and blood pressure, which reduces your risk of developing heart disease.
- Connect with others. Strengthening your social network can reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attack.
- Know and manage your risk. The risk of heart disease or suffering a heart episode increases with age. You can reduce this risk by getting regular check-ups with your GP to determine your level of risk. DVA provides eligible veterans with a one-off or annual health check. The Veterans’ Health Check is a comprehensive health assessment conducted by your GP. It provides an opportunity to access early intervention care and appropriate referrals when you need it.
Heart disease is a long-term chronic health condition. DVA offers access to ongoing care for eligible Veteran Gold Card holders with heart disease through the Coordinated Veterans’ Care program.
DVA also provides eligible veterans access to the Heart Health Program, which has been beating strong for the past 23 years. This is a free, year-long, national program that helps veterans to prevent heart disease or a heart episode by incorporating health education, exercise and balanced nutrition into their daily lives.
For more information, including eligibility for the programs mentioned in this article, visit the DVA website or call 1800 838 372 (1800 VETERAN).