Heart Health for Women and Men: Everyday Habits That Protect Your Heart

Heart disease is often thought of as a concern later in life, but heart health is shaped by daily habits from a young age. Your heart works continuously to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, making it one of the most important organs to care for.

Understanding the Heart’s Role

The heart pumps blood through arteries and veins, supplying oxygen to tissues and removing waste products. When the heart or blood vessels are compromised, the entire body is affected.

Common Risk Factors

Heart disease risk is influenced by:

• Poor diet

• Physical inactivity

• Chronic stress

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

Both women and men experience heart disease differently, and symptoms may not always be obvious.

Nutrition for Heart Health

A heart-friendly diet focuses on:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Lean protein sources

• Healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts

• Reduced sodium and processed foods

These foods help manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation.

Movement and Circulation

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and supports weight management. Walking, swimming, cycling, and strength training all contribute to cardiovascular health.

Stress and the Heart

Chronic stress raises blood pressure and inflammation, increasing heart strain. Daily stress management through rest, prayer, breathing exercises, and boundary setting is essential.

Prevention Starts Early

Regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, and healthy habits significantly reduce long-term heart disease risk.

What heart-healthy habit are you currently working on?

Sources:

https://www.heart.org

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease

https://www.who.int