Like any other muscle in the body, the heart requires preventive care. Keeping it healthy is as vital as taking care of your life. Statistics show, death from heart attack and stroke claim to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While some people suffer from congenital heart diseases, others that are blessed with a healthy body tend to be abusive. With lifestyle changes, many of the present contributing factors can be lessened. Listed below are the top 5 ways to take care of your heart.

Exercise regularly.
A regular workout is good for your heart. This doesn’t mean you have to bench press heavy weights or run marathons. Cardiovascular exercise such as walking, running, and moderate weight lifting will suffice. Exercise not only makes your heart healthy and strong, it also helps improve memory and concentration. While it aids in decreasing anxiety, frustration, and depression, it also boosts your self-esteem and self-confidence

Have a healthy diet.
Proper nutrition goes right along with exercise. A healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and high in grains, fruits and vegetables will keep you from any harm posed by various heart diseases. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), foods out in the market containing at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving that are considered “low fat”. These products are said to be “heart healthy” as they play a part in reducing the risk of heart ailments.

Get enough sleep.
Getting enough sleep helps both your brain and your heart wind down and rest during the night and function more properly throughout the day. At least seven to eight hours of sleep is required per day.

Abstain from any vices.
With no doubt, alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction will make your life shorter. The risk of heart disease for smokers and alcoholics is more than twice that of people with no vices. Moreover, substance abuse puts stress on your heart and can even trigger mental illness such as mania, depression, and psychosis.

Fight off stress
Take time to slow down from your fast paced life. Enjoy your time in silence and solitude. Meditation gives you chance to reflect on the things you did for the past days while giving you the opportunity to rest.