The importance of prevention and how to maintain a healthy heart

Preventing heart disease is essential to maintaining good health and quality of life. Based on recent studies and academic articles, this article presents relevant and up-to-date information on the importance of prevention and how to maintain a healthy heart.

The importance of prevention

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, many of these diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes and proper medical care. Prevention can:

• Reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Improve quality of life.
• Prolong life expectancy.

Tips for maintaining a healthy heart

1. Adopt a balanced diet:
   • Eat more fruits and vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they help maintain heart health (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2024).
   • Choose healthy fats: Such as those found in olive oil, nuts and fish (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
   • Reduce salt and sugar intake: To maintain healthy blood pressure and glucose levels (American Heart Association, 2024).
   • Limit saturated and trans fats: Present in processed and fried foods.
2. Exercise regularly:
   • Aerobic activity: Such as walking, running, swimming or cycling for at least 150 minutes a week (World Health Organization, 2023).
   • Strengthening exercises: At least two days a week to improve muscle strength and bone health.
   • Incorporate flexibility and balance activities: Such as yoga or tai chi.
3. Maintain a healthy weight:
   • Control portions: To avoid consuming too many calories.
   • Combine diet and exercise: To achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol:
   • Don’t smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
   • Limit alcohol consumption: To one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
5. Manage stress:
   • Practice relaxation techniques: Such as meditation, deep breathing or mindfulness (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2024).
   • Maintain a social support network: Friends and family can help reduce stress.
6. Get regular medical check-ups:
   • Regular check-ups:To monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.
   • Talk to your doctor: About any symptoms or concerns related to heart health (World Health Organization, 2023).

Competency-based strategies

1. Publish educational guides and articles:
   • Create detailed content on common heart diseases, their causes, symptoms and treatments.
   • Offer practical guides on how to lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease.
2. Develop personalised prevention programmes:
   • IImplement prevention programmes that include personalised diet and exercise plans.
   • Organise educational workshops and seminars on heart health for patients and the community (World Health Organization, 2023).
3. Promote innovative technologies and treatments:
   • Publish articles on the latest cardiology technologies available in the hospital.
   • Highlight participation in research studies and clinical trials (American Heart Association, 2024).
4. Share testimonials and success stories:
   • Publish testimonials from patients who have had successful treatments (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
   • Create videos and detailed articles on success stories in the treatment of heart disease (World Health Organization, 2023).

Electrocardiogram at the Guadalentín Hospital

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is an essential tool for assessing heart health and detecting various cardiovascular conditions.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for an electrocardiogram, you can contact the Hospital del Guadalentín through our customer service number.