Heart expert Dr Jack Wolfson has shared five straightforward yet effective ways to improve heart health and reduce the risk of a heart attack
Heart disease is a leading killer globally, but there are several controllable factors to protect your heart and slash the risk of heart conditions. From mild discomfort like chest pain to severe crises such as heart attacks or strokes, heart diseases present in various guises.
An estimated 7.6 million people within the UK are living with heart or circulatory diseases according to the British Heart Foundation. These illnesses contribute to over 170,000 deaths every year.
Some people are born with these conditions but most will develop them as a result of their lifestyle practices. Dr Jack Wolfson, who is known as, the Natural Heart Doctor, supports the idea that embracing healthier daily habits can make a big difference to the likelihood of suffering a heart attack and bolster long-term cardiovascular health.
This cardiologist, who has nearly 500k TikTok followers, has now shared five straightforward but effective ways of enhancing your heart health and reducing your heart attack risk, reports Surrey Live. Posting on the social media site, his video “5 things you can do for FREE to reduce a heart attack”, covers his top tips for maintaining heart health.
Get better sleep
He advises: “Whatever time you’re currently going to bed, make it an hour earlier”. He highlights the importance of good sleep quality in regulating blood pressure, inflammation, and stress levels.
These are all crucial factors in minimising the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease. Sleep also plays a vital role in hormone balance and bodily recovery.
Slash screen time
Dr Wolfson suggests cutting down on technology use, stating, “Just dial down on the tech, you’ll be much better off.”
Reducing screen time can lead to improved sleep, decreased stress, and more opportunities for engaging in heart-healthy activities. Excessive screen time, particularly before bedtime, can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and contribute to mental fatigue.
Go outside
The heart specialist emphasises that spending more time outdoors can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack. The benefits of fresh air, natural light, and physical activity are immense for both heart health and general well-being.
Grounding
“Stand outside barefoot – it’s called grounding, and it’s great for your heart,” the cardiologist shares. Grounding, or making direct contact with the earth, is thought to enhance circulation and aid in reducing inflammation.
A study highlighted in the National Library of Medicine states: “Multi-disciplinary research has revealed that electrically conductive contact of the human body with the surface of the Earth (grounding or earthing) produces intriguing effects on physiology and health. Such effects relate to inflammation, immune responses, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.”
Be thankful
Dr Wolfson advocates a daily dose of appreciation, suggesting, “At least once a day, just give thanks to God, pray.” It’s been shown that expressing gratitude can decrease stress levels and enhance overall mood.