With every beat, the heart pumps twenty to twenty five percent of the blood to the head, where the brain then uses this to function. If the heart is not working at its best, the brain won’t be able to either.
At Saenz Pharmacy, your devoted McAllen pharmacists will share how heart and brain health are intricately connected.
How Heart Function Impacts Brain Function
Your blood vessels are responsible for blood flow and oxygen to all the organs in your body. When these vessels become clogged, you have artery damage that can result in heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.
To simplify it, your heart is responsible for blood flow, and the brain needs good blood flow to function properly. If the heart is functioning poorly, it is likely your brain will start to as well.
How To Ensure You Have Good Heart And Brain Health
The key to heart and brain health starts with the heart. That being said, many of these lifestyle changes will deal with the heart:
1. Maintain Good Blood Pressure
When your blood pressure is high, it puts an extra strain on your heart, resulting many times in heart disease or a stroke. By maintaining a good blood pressure, you are allowing your heart, arteries, and kidneys to function at their best.
2. Lower Your Cholesterol
Having high cholesterol can clog your arteries with the extra plaque that has built up. This in turn can cause heart disease or even a stroke. By lowering your cholesterol, you are keeping your arteries clear and allowing blood to flow effortlessly through them.
3. Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels
When your body has the right amount of blood sugar, it gives your cells and organs the energy they need. If your blood sugar is too high, it can damage your hearts, kidneys, and nerves. You can lower your blood sugar levels by increasing your fiber intake, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.
4. Get And Stay Active
Regular exercise also helps maintain low blood pressure and cholesterol levels. By being active, you are once again reducing the strain put on the heart and lungs. You will also be surprised at how much energy you have!
5. Eat A Well-Balanced Diet
Eating heart healthy foods can greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, these foods are also excellent for fueling your brain. Some examples of these foods include whole grains and fiber, raisins, oranges, kale, spinach, lean meats, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Put A Stop To Your Smoking
Smokers have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). When you inhale cigarette smoke, the chemicals contaminate your blood, damaging your heart and blood vessels. Not only does this negatively impact your heart health, but it also can poorly affect your brain health.
7. Maintain A Healthy Weight
When you maintain a healthy weight and keep those unnecessary pounds off, you are reducing the stress put on the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Having extra fat causes plaque to form and build up, which can clog your arteries and make it difficult for blood to flow through.
8. Take Medication As Prescribed
Your physician may have prescribed medication for you and your heart health, and in instances like these, it is vital that you properly follow your medication adherence plan.
Your pharmacists can assist you in following this plan, tracking your progress with the medication, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Get Your Heart and Brain Health On Track With The Help Of Your Trusted McAllen Pharmacy.
If your heart is functioning at its best, then it is likely your brain will be as well. Take your health into your own hands and stop by Saenz Pharmacy today!
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