Your vascular health becomes even more important as you get older. The team at Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute, a vascular doctor in Dayton, OH, discusses ways you can make sure you’re doing well with your vascular health.
Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use
Any form of tobacco use can increase your risk of having heart problems. Tobacco carries an increased chance of a particular type of vascular disease called peripheral arterial disease. This occurs when the blood flow is impacted in arteries that are in your limbs, head, and stomach. They’re narrowed, making it harder for blood flow to occur.
Lose Weight
A healthy weight is necessary to keep your vascular system operating at its peak. For every pound that you’re overweight, your heart has to pump blood through an extra mile’s worth of vessels. This adds up quickly. Fat can also clog your arteries, making it harder to keep blood pumping the way it should be as well.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating foods that are high in bad cholesterol and saturated fat can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. This makes it harder for blood to be pumped through these areas and can increase your blood pressure. Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet with a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to avoid this happening. A healthy diet is also helpful in maintaining an ideal weight.
Walk it Out
You don’t have to set out on an extreme workout routine to make sure you’re keeping healthy. Simply making sure you’re walking at least 30 minutes every day can help your blood flow immensely and assist in keeping you at a healthy weight. Walking gets your blood flowing, helps with circulation in your legs, and helps to promote the growth of new blood vessels. Whether it’s solo or with a group, this is a great way to help your vascular system.
Change the Way You Sit
Many of us cross our legs when we sit down. But this can actually impact the ability of blood to circulate properly throughout your legs. Crossing your legs at the knee for long periods of time can cause issues with getting the proper blood flow to your lower extremities. Try to break this habit and cross your legs at the ankles instead.
Take Cardiovascular Concerns Seriously
Your cardiovascular health is nothing to joke about. If you have a cardiovascular concern that you think may be something more, it’s important to contact our office. With our expertise and diagnostic testing abilities, we can help you make sure your vascular system is healthy. Call your Dayton, Ohio vascular doctor today or schedule an appointment online.