you have a familial history of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, don’t be discouraged. You can’t control your genetics but you can watch what you eat, change your habits and practice stress management!
Smoking and Alcohol Intake
A 2018 study has linked cigarette smoking to cardiac dysfunction, including heart failure. For your health, life span, and loved ones, consider quitting cigarettes- especially if heart failure and heart attacks run in your family.
Look out for drinking habits. A few celebratory drinks here and there are fine. Research has shown that drinking a moderate amount of red wine has benefits for heart health, such as lowering the risk of heart failure. Heavy alcohol is far from beneficial when it comes to your heart health. Heavy alcohol consumption can cause cardiomyopathy, liver damage, etc. Take heed to how much alcohol you are consuming and be sure to moderate/curb when necessary.
Stress Management
Life is a beautiful mess of highs and lows. There is no way to avoid all the stresses in the world. However, there are ways to manage your stress so you aren’t facing heavy amounts of worry on all fronts.
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It’s important you partake in healthy stress management for your heart health. With high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases possibly at our heels, it’s important to manage stress.
Activities such as exercising, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and talking to a therapist are great ways to relieve stress. Doing so can also keep the blood pressure in check.
What are you Eating?
With blood pressure still in mind, high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart failure. Young Black women have been found to have higher rates of hypertension compared to other populations. It is essential to monitor blood pressure regularly and take appropriate measures to manage it effectively.
It’s important to eat foods with less sodium. Observe your intake of the tasty chips and snacks in your cabinets! A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can promote heart health and help manage weight and blood pressure.
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Heart failure and cardiovascular diseases are serious health concerns for young Black women, and it is imperative to raise awareness about the specific risks we face. By understanding the factors that contribute to heart disease and recognizing the warning signs, we can take proactive steps to protect our cardiovascular health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and seeking regular medical care, we can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, failure and promote overall well-being.
