Heart Health

Panic attacks and heart attacks can come with symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath. During a heart attack, the chest pain comes with a feeling of pressure. The pain may radiate to your neck, shoulders, arms, back, or jaw. While it can ebb and flow, the pain doesn’t go away. While a heart attack is often the result of physical exertion, a panic attack is more likely triggered by a specific stressful situation, such as public speaking. While it can feel like you’re having a heart attack, the discomfort of a panic attack tends to subside within five to 20 minutes. A heart attack requires immediate medical attention, so don’t delay seeking help. While a panic attack can be frightening, there are ways to cope with symptoms and take back control of your life.

Heart-healthy snacks are built around real, natural food, rather than salty, fried, or processed food which can contribute to high blood pressure. Some good examples of heart-healthy snacks include fruits and vegetables, such as sliced apples, carrots, and peppers. You can also try keeping nuts, seeds, or roasted chickpeas around for convenient snacking. Whole-grain snacks, such as popcorn and crackers, are other healthy options.

A heart-healthy breakfast should focus on natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Since avocado is a good source of monounsaturated fat, which lowers the risk of heart disease, try avocado on whole-grain toast for breakfast. Whole-grain bread also contains fiber, another important part of a heart-healthy diet. Research shows that blueberries can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Try blending them into a smoothie with Greek yogurt and your choice of milk. Include some flaxseed, which may also help to reduce blood pressure. Another heart-healthy option is a veggie omelet, with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, and/or peppers.

Although some studies seem to indicate vitamins and supplements, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, may be beneficial for heart health, other research is less supportive. Most experts agree that it’s better to get the vitamins and minerals you need from a nutrient-rich diet rather than supplements. There’s also a possibility that too much of a particular vitamin, such as vitamin D, may even be harmful to cardiovascular health. To determine if you’re getting everything you need, read Vitamins and Minerals.

The best exercises for heart health are activities that you personally enjoy and can stick with. To protect your heart health, aim for a combination of aerobic, strength training, and stretching exercises. Aerobic activities, such as cycling, running, and swimming, strengthen your heart muscle and improve circulation. If you’re not currently an active person, start with a simple cardio activity: daily walks. Strength training exercises, such as weight lifting, can help reduce fat around the heart that’s associated with cardiovascular disease. Stretching routines, such as yoga, can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness.