How your cardiologist in Sugar Land, TX, can help your heart
Stress can wreak havoc on your body, especially your heart. Increased blood pressure and cholesterol are just two of the harmful changes that can occur due to chronic stress.
Dr. Naim Al-Adli at Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX, offers a wide variety of cardiology services to help you and your heart.
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives, but continuous stress can result in serious health problems, especially for your heart.
Chronic, prolonged stress can lead to increased:
- Cortisol production, which can lead to fat accumulation, especially around your organs
- Cholesterol in your blood, which can lead to fatty plaque buildup on your artery walls
- Blood pressure, which can lead to heart stress and heart disease
Stress can also lead to diminished blood flow to your heart, causing insufficient oxygen and blood reaching your heart. Chronic stress also decreases the ability of blood to clot, which could potentially cause a stroke or embolism.
Stress management is critical to protect your heart and the health of your body. You can try:
Relaxation techniques including yoga and meditation to promote calm.
Breathing exercises to help you relax, increase oxygen levels, and help lower blood pressure.
Managing your stress is important, but there are many other things you can do to help protect your heart. Consider:
Diet modifications, including limiting fatty, greasy, fried foods, red meat, and whole fat dairy; substitute lean meats like poultry or fish, and vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
Stopping smoking or using tobacco products.
Getting enough exercise, which means at least 30 minutes on most days each week; combine aerobic exercises like walking or swimming with strength training for optimal heart benefits.
To find out more about the effects of stress on your heart and how you can prevent heart disease, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Naim Al-Adli at Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (281) 265-8500, so call now.