The heart is the main source of blood flow that supply all parts of your body even your brain. A damaged blood vessel can result in serious health problems like stroke, heart disease and dementia. A healthy blood vessel will help ensure you maintain a healthy brain and heart.
Unhealthy Heart, Unhealthy Brain
Some medical conditions and unhealthy habits can harm blood vessels, placing your brain and heart at risk of serious issues.
- A heart attack occurs when plaque builds up or a blood clot stops coronary blood circulation.
- A stroke, often referred to as brain attack or brain attack, happens when a clot or plaque blocks a blood vessel inside the brain, or when one of the blood vessels in the brain explodes. In this case the brain tissue begins to die and this can lead to the loss of memory and impairment.
- A form of dementia known as vascular dementia may occur because of several tiny, silent strokes, sometimes referred to mini-strokes. Dementia can result in memory loss, slow thinking, and changes in personality.
Steps to a Healthy Brain and Heart
Did you realize that your brain health as well as your heart are interlinked? When you maintain your heart’s health and your brain healthy, you reduce your risk of having brain issues such as dementia and stroke. Find out more about the relationship between the brain and heart and what steps you can follow to ensure both are healthy.
Stroke, heart disease and vascular dementia are all preventable. Make sure you take steps to lower the chance of developing them.
Manage the blood pressure
High blood pressure is the most common cause of stroke and heart disease. As time passes high blood pressure places excessive stress over blood vessels. Researchers now know that having high blood pressure that is not controlled during your midlife years can increase the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in the years. Be aware of your risk by having your blood pressure regularly checked. In the event that your blood pressure has become elevated you should consult your physician, nurse or health care professional to lower it. One method to control the pressure in your blood is by taking the prescribed medications. Find out more about ways to control blood pressure.
Select healthy food items like salmon, which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. This will assist in protecting your heart.
Consume healthy food and avoid the consumption of alcohol
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables whole grains, low-fat dairy. You should also eat seafood that is rich in omega-3 fatty acid every week. Reduce the amount of added sugars or saturated fats and reduce the sodium intake. If you are a drinker take it slowly. Alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure. This can result in stroke or increase risk of developing certain types of heart diseases.
Keep your diabetes under control
Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels that can cause damage to blood vessels as well as nerves. The damage increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and dementia.
Do not Smoke
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk for blood to clot. This could cause stroke or heart disease. Smoking cigarettes is the most common cause of deaths that can be prevented within the United States. If you’re not a smoker then don’t begin. If you smoke, you must learn to stop.
Keep active. Inactivity could lead to hypertension and obesity. A majority of Americans don’t have the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities per week that guidelines suggest. 1 Find ways to keep your heart pumping more than 150 minutes each week. Get up the stairs, plan a walk during lunch or perform jumping jacks in commercial breaks. Find out how to be active enough.