Your vascular system plays a bigger role in your daily life than you may think. Whether you want to keep your energy levels up or stay mentally productive, it’s important to make your circulatory health a top priority. While having an experienced vascular doctor is the best way to monitor the condition of your heart, your lifestyle has the biggest effect on the long-term results of any vascular treatment. National Vascular Associates is here to help you avoid heart trouble so you can keep your wellness on track.
Poor sleep can cause high blood pressure, inflammation, and arterial stiffness. While a few nights of restlessness won’t cause long-term health issues, a chronic lack of sleep can eventually lead to vascular dysfunction and an increased risk of heart disease. If you’ve been tossing and turning, there are a few steps you can take. Keep a consistent schedule where you go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. It could take some time for your mind and body to adjust, but eventually, you’ll find your rhythm. To help with falling asleep, avoid stimulation before bedtime and create a comfortable space. This means staying away from caffeine in the afternoon and evening and saying no to screen time while you’re getting ready to say goodnight. You can also try to incorporate some relaxation practices like yoga or meditation to calm your breathing and get ready for quality shut-eye.
There’s a time for rest and a time for action. Getting the right amount of sleep should give you the energy needed to fuel your day. Physical activity will help support your vascular care by improving your blood circulation, lowering cholesterol, and strengthening the heart. While many people embrace fitness only to lose weight, it’s important to engage in some form of exercise as a daily activity regardless of the number on the scale. Doing so will help you keep your arteries flexible and your blood flowing to vital organs and systems. Make it fun by doing things you enjoy, like cycling, swimming, or walking. Resistance exercises help vessel function, too, so try to add some weight lifting to your routine.
Stress is a staple in our modern world, and it is difficult to avoid it altogether. However, chronic stress can have a detrimental effect on the vascular treatment system because it promotes inflammation and encourages unhealthy coping mechanisms that can harm overall health. Simple changes like better time management and social support can have a massive impact on stress levels. Make sure you are balancing work and life appropriately so there’s plenty of time for hobbies and relaxation. If your lifestyle requires a certain amount of stress, try to learn a few strategies for breathing and mental awareness so you can remain as calm as possible under pressure.
Excercise, stress reduction and good sleep are the golden trio of heart health, but it’s also important to keep an eye on nutrition. Heart-healthy diets that include plenty of vitamins and minerals will prevent plaque buildup and improve circulation. Limit your consumption of harmful substances, like cigarettes, alcohol, processed foods, and saturated fats. Stay properly hydrated and include enough whole foods like berries, lean protein, whole grains, and leafy greens.
If you need help with managing your vascular care, it’s important to stay proactive about monitoring the health of your heart. No matter what age you are or what kind of underlying conditions may be present, the services of a vascular doctor will help you stay ahead of issues. If you’re interested in vascular treatment in Moyock, NC or screening services, reach out to National Vascular Associates to schedule an upcoming appointment with a vascular specialist in your area.