THUD THUD. THUD THUD. That’s the sound of your heart beating about 100,000 times per day! It’s busy working hard to make sure your blood is flowing and your body is getting the oxygen it needs. That’s why it’s important to keep your heart as stress-free as possible so it gets its job done.
We sat down with Joshua Crasner, a cardiologist with Virtua Health, to talk through easing the amount of stress you place on your heart.
Exercising can be exhausting, but how does it help your heart?
“Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for your heart. It reduces bodily production of the stress hormone cortisol while increasing the number of endorphins, or “happy chemicals” your body releases,” says Dr. Crasner. “It is also easy to incorporate into your daily lives. Find a physical activity you enjoy, whether that be jogging, hiking, going to the gym, or something else, and spend 30 minutes of your day doing it for the best results.”
Can attitude make a difference?
“The power of positive thinking is real,” says Dr. Crasner. “Laughter is proven to lower levels of stress hormones and increase the kind of cholesterol that your body needs. It also helps reduce inflammation in your arteries which tie directly to your heart. Have a laugh every now and then, it’s good for you.”
Do you have any suggestions to help people relax?
“Yoga is a fun and low impact way to reduce stress. It allows you to take a deep breath, relax, center your thoughts, and calm your mind. It also helps to reduce blood pressure and strengthen your body,” says Dr. Crasner. “Meditation is another option. It allows you to focus on what is important in your life and not worry about the little things. It also reduces blood pressure since your mind is focused on one thing at a time.”
Will dieting help?
“Not necessarily dieting. But, eating healthy and keeping a balanced diet reduces bodily stress and is great for your heart. It not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it will regulate your mood and boost serotonin levels that your body produces,” says Dr. Crasner. “Staying away from fatty and sugary foods will also help your heart by lowering cholesterol. Look for substitutions for some of your favorite sugary treats that taste as delicious and will help out your heart.”
To learn more about Virtua's cardiology program, connect with them today.
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