As you get older, having a healthy heart will help your brain function.
You probably already know that maintaining good heart health necessitates a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the control of prominent heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. However, did you realize that your brain also has an impact on your heart’s health? Do you know about the heart and brain connection?
The brain and heart health are interconnected. You can reduce your risk of brain disorders like dementia and stroke by keeping your heart healthy. So, do you want to keep your brain and heart-healthy?
Learn more about the heart-brain connection and what you can do to keep both healthy.
Heart and Brain Connection
Researchers have discovered an increasing number of correlations between poor mental health and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in recent years. This is not surprising, given how mental illnesses can alter your behavior.
According to a new scientific paper, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that good mental health can enhance heart health and lower cardiovascular risks, whereas poor mental health can raise the risk of heart disease.
The heart and brain work together to contribute to general health, despite serving different roles.
The veins supply deoxygenated blood to the heart. The blood is then oxygenated with the help of the lungs, and the newly oxygenated blood is subsequently sent to the remainder of the body.
This loop is created by simple expansion and contraction, which results in a beat. Every day, the heart beats 100000 times pumping five-six quarts of blood/minute or approximately 2000 gallons/day.
If one of these processes fails, the supply of blood to the brain could be affected.
In addition, some mental health issues and disorders can create physical changes in the body, which can raise cardiac risk in a variety of ways.
- Stress
Long-term stress can increase blood pressure, decrease blood flow to the heart, limit heart pumping ability, trigger abnormal pumping rhythms, and activate the inflammatory response and blood clotting system.
Studies reveal that chronic stress is worse for the heart than major lifestyle changes.
- Depression
It’s a two-way track when it comes to depression and heart disease. Depression doubles your chance of having coronary artery disease.
According to other studies, people who already have heart disease are three times more likely to be depressed than the general population.
In people who have already had a heart attack, depression is an independent risk factor. After a heart attack, 1 out of every 5 persons will develop depression.
- Anger and hostility
Those who are often angry are two to three times more likely than others to suffer a heart attack or other cardiac incident.
- Isolation from others
Men and women who live alone have a higher risk of having a heart attack or dying suddenly from one.
On the other hand, older persons who have a strong social network are much less likely to die over 10 years than those who do not.
Taking Steps to a Healthier Heart
There are things you can do to enhance your mental health, and possibly your heart health if you’re dealing with any of the above difficulties.
- Make Improvements to Your Lifestyle
Improve your way of life. When you’re unhappy or having emotional difficulties, it’s easy to let healthy food and exercise go.
On the other hand, small, manageable everyday changes add up to better overall health.
- Eat plenty of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, as well as omega-3-rich seafood (such as salmon) at least once a week. Reduce your sodium (salt) intake by avoiding foods with added sugars and saturated fats.
- If you really must drink alcohol, do it in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption raises blood pressure, which can result in a stroke and raise the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Find physical activities that you enjoy, and that will keep you motivated. Obesity and high blood pressure can be caused by a lack of physical activity. Find at least 150 minutes per week to get your heart beating. Take the stairs, go for a lunchtime walk, or perform jumping jacks between commercials.
- Smoking damages blood arteries and increases the risk of blood clotting, which can result in heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking is never too late. Smoking cessation is beneficial to your health and reduces your risk of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
- Keep Your Mind Occupied.
Brain-stimulating activities and exercises help in improving mental health. To liven up your day, take up a new hobby, try a new walking route, or try a new exercise.
- Reduce Your Stress.
Nowadays, reducing stress is a challenge for practically everyone. Mindfulness meditation, which increases self-awareness and a focus on the present, is one method that can help control it.
Regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and adequate rest can all help to keep stress at bay.
- Collaborate with a Professional.
A mental health expert can help you deal with a wide range of problems, including past trauma.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (which aims to disrupt negative thought patterns), and medication are some of the treatment options available.
- Control Your Blood Pressure
Blood pressure can cause heart diseases and stroke. High blood pressure puts too much stress on blood vessels over time. Researchers have discovered that uncontrolled high blood pressure in middle age increases the risk of dementia later in life.
Get your blood pressure checked regularly to keep track of your levels. Work with your doctor, nurse, or health care team to manage your blood pressure if it’s too high. Taking your medications as directed is one way to keep your blood pressure under control.
The Bottom Line
When your brain is healthy, it receives the blood flow it needs to function at its best. A healthy brain is necessary for a long and fulfilling existence. When your brain is healthy, you can pay attention better, solve issues faster, communicate more effectively, and so much more.
Brain health is vital at any age. The decisions you make today will help you have a healthier brain in the future.
