Heart to heart: The importance of cardiovascular health

We often hear about cardiovascular and how it affects our overall health, but what is cardiovascular health? What is the importance of this particular health? In definition, cardiovascular health refers to the condition and functioning of the heart, responsible for circulating blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. However, in a hustling and busy community, cardiovascular health is often being neglected.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand about your heart's health and the vascular system. Cardiovascular health not only affects a person's life expectancy, but also their quality of life. In this article, we will delve into why cardiovascular health is such an important aspect of our lives and how a healthy heart can greatly benefit our overall well-being.

1. Increase life quality 

Practising and maintaining cardiovascular health is not just about
achieving your body goals. Your life quality can be enhanced, both body and mind. By maintaining cardiovascular health, one can enjoy a higher quality of llife from a plethora of benefits.

Cardiovascular health ensures that the heart and blood vessels efficiently deliver oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. From there, your physical stamina is improved, allowing you to perform physical activities without fatigue. When sufficient oxygen supply is distributed throughout the body, you tend to feel more energised and fresh. This can also lead to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. 

2. Reducing pressure 

A good cardiovascular health can be achieved by reducing blood
pressure. A high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder leading to a weaker heart muscle. This can damage the walls of your arteries. With damaged artery walls, plaque builds up and narrows the area leading to blood flow obstruction. It is important to practise cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes so that one can effectively lower their blood pressure.

Another “pressure” is stress. Inevitably, stress can disturb your
overall health including cardiovascular health. Reducing stress through mindfulness practices can lower the body's stress hormone levels, which in turn helps keep blood pressure in check. Stress triggers the release of cortisol (hormone) that contributes to plaque buildup. Stress management techniques such as yoga and regular relaxation activities can protect the heart and your overall health from these harmful effects.

3. Reducing heart attack risks

One of the primary causes of heart attacks is the blockage due to plaque buildup. Maintaining cardiovascular health through exercise and a healthy diet keeps blood vessels clear and flexible. This reduces the risk of plaque formation, allowing oxygen-rich blood to flow smoothly.

Another heart attack risk factor is due to hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension weakens the heart muscle and damages arteries by straining the heart to work harder. This can increase the likelihood of a heart attack. To avoid this from happening, one should manage cardiovascular health through regular physical activity and focus on maintaining normal blood pressure levels with a low-sodium diet.

4. Increasing sleep quality 

Did you know that health conditions such as hypertension or heart disease often lead to disrupted sleep? For example, people with congestive heart failure (CHF) have a hard time falling asleep due to shortness of breath. In some cases, people with heart disease can also experience anxiety due to fear of a heart attack or stroke, making it hard for them to sleep at night. Cardiovascular health affects sleep patterns and quality. One should maintain good cardiovascular health to ensure restful and uninterrupted sleep. With a good night's rest, you can have a better improved mood, energy levels and even cognitive function.

In conclusion, cardiovascular health plays an important role in ensuring a long and quality life. By understanding and practising a healthy lifestyle, we can prevent various diseases related to the heart and vascular system. Prioritising cardiovascular health not only benefits the body as a whole but also improves mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, let us all take proactive steps in taking care of our heart health for a healthier and happier life.