Heart surgery is on the rise. But the kicker is it doesn’t have to be. There are many things you can do to prevent the need for having surgery to do a mitral valve repair.
1. Exercise When you exercise you are giving your heart muscle a work out. Your heart muscle is the most important muscle to work out. Please work out that muscle 3-5 times per week. STart out slow if you need too and just walk. But walk so that your heart rate goes up.
2. Keep your blood pressure down. Easier said than done, believe me I know. I take medicine to keep my blood pressure down and it works and works great. I’m very thankful that I have something that works to keep my blood pressure down.
3. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Your diet affects how your heart functions. By eating the right foods you can protect your heart longer.
4. Destress and try to limit the stress in your life. I know it’s not easy but it’s something that must be done. My dogs help destress my life.
My friend’s dad had heart surgery and he’s made many of the changes above and is still alive and kicking today at 72. I’m so thankful for knowing what has to be done to keep a healthy heart and not have mitral valve surgery. If your doctor recommends it then please follow all doctors orders always.
This is a sponsored post for NYU Cardiac and Vascular Institute, however,
all the points and views are my own.
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