Some may associate heart conditions with the elderly and those with genetic predispositions, but modern living is taking an increasing toll by way of stress. Increased stress has led to cases of heart conditions being reported in ever younger demographics.

Conditions of the heart do not discriminate according to age as anyone leading an unhealthy lifestyle or who suffers underlying health conditions can be affected. While investing in an AED machine and consulting with your doctor routinely are great ways to keep your heart protected you should also consider the following tips to maximize your quality of life when living with a heart condition.

Diet

The first and most prominent aspect of your life that you need to adapt is your diet. Dietary habits are a sore point for many sufferers of heart conditions, but there is a silver lining. By catching any developing heart problems earlier, you may limit the degree to which you have to reassess your dietary intake.

Either way, you will have to cut down on red meats, high-fat foods and excessive use of salt and spices. A pescetarian diet is recommended and has been reported as having a notable impact on any further degradation or damage. This diet does exclude shellfish and iodine-rich kinds of seafood.

Exercise

Exercise is an area in which it is challenging to find balance. Depending on your specific ailment, you may need to consult your GP before committing to any particular exercise. Walking is generally considered a safe and healthy form of exercise, as it avoids exertion and further cardiovascular strain.

Outside of walking casual cycling is also considered a suitable form of exercise, but it is incredibly important to appreciate the emphasis on casual. Avoid any degree of exertion in favor of a slower-paced, relaxed workout. Finally, you may want to consider yoga, as it has been shown to counteract stress as well as provide sufficient exercise.

Drink

Alcohol is almost universally unhealthy. Inebriation occurs by process of toxicity. Aside from ingesting a bucket of bacon, almost nothing is worse for your general health, and heart, than having a drink.

There is a long-standing bit of rhetoric that red wine and whisky are good for cardio health, but studies have been dubious, with more reliable results showing that these two forms of alcohol are merely the least damaging. Least implying that there is still a risk of damage, only mitigated to some degree.

Stress

Saving the biggest threat of all for last, stress is considered as one of the significant factors in cardiovascular-related mortalities around the globe. There is an excessive amount of pressure on us to perform professionally. In the west, this is taken to an unreasonable extreme and overexertion is valued as a sort of virtue.

Understandably, one has the drive and passion for succeeding, but it must be counterbalanced by way of a reasonable degree of restraint. Work addiction has become a genuine concern, and limitations must be put in place. To further decrease the risk of stress-related heart problems, it is advised that one take up meditation, whether in a spiritual capacity or as a form of stress reduction.