Consume lean meat.
Lean meat, such as chicken, is lower in calories, which helps reduce the burden on the heart, maintains normal cholesterol levels and provides the body with essential proteins and other nutrients. For example, consuming chicken soup with vegetables is beneficial — it’s a light and delicious dish that helps warm the body after a cold walk. Therefore, in winter, it is better to diversify your diet and cook more first courses to strengthen your body and prevent the development of heart disease. Moreover, soups reduce appetite and help control weight, as they are easily digested and quickly provide a feeling of fullness. It is also very convenient that they are easy to prepare in advance and store in the fridge, which gives you more time to relax and do your own thing.
Sleep in a warm bed.
Sleeping on a cold bed in winter can be harmful to your heart health as it can lead to vascular spasm. For people with heart disease, this can be especially dangerous, as such reaction of the body can provoke the development of unpleasant symptoms. To warm up the bed in winter, there are several simple methods you can use. One of the most effective is a hot water bottle or electric heater. Place it in the bed 10-15 minutes before sleep to warm the sheets. If you have the option, you can use heated mattresses or simply place a thick blanket between the bed and mattress. If the bed is too cold, first place your feet on a heating pad or put on warm socks before going to bed. These simple methods will help you warm up and create comfortable sleeping conditions in the cold season.
Drink warm tea, not hot.
Hot drinks can increase the burden on the heart, when warm tea maintains the optimum temperature without disrupting the functioning of the cardiovascular system. For example, after a heart attack, drinking a very hot beverage can worsen your condition. It’s important to choose warm drinks, preferably herbal or citrus tea.
Reduce time spent on gadgets.
In winter, it’s important to reduce time spent on gadgets for heart health for several reasons. Firstly, for example, sitting at a computer for a long time can lead to weight gain, thereby increasing the load on the heart. Second, excessive use of electronic devices before bed negatively affects sleep quality, which also harms heart health. Instead of scrolling through social media, try reading a book by the fireplace or chatting with friends. Pleasant emotions will help you relax and the fireplace will help you warm up during the cold season, reducing stress, which has a positive effect on the heart. Winter is the time when you need to spend more time with your family and arrange cozy evenings. Numerous studies show that such rest helps to recover even faster after a heart attack and stroke.
In addition to all this advices, remember that it is important to follow all doctor’s prescriptions and take the necessary medications (for example Arrow-Lisinopril, Diovan) on time.