Recognizing cardiac risk factors early is imperative as precautionary measures can be taken to minimize any cardiovascular risks one may have.
Every seaman should take responsibility for their own health, by being aware of the risk factors and any signs or symptoms. All seaman has to undergo the mandatory annual medical checkup and this is a good step in picking up any health alerts your body might be giving off thus it is important that you lead a healthy lifestyle so that it doesn’t affect your seafaring career.
So what are some habits or steps you can adopt towards a robust heart health?
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Having extra pounds increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. Excess weight can cause changes to your heart that makes it work harder to send blood to all the cells in your body. Losing even a few pounds can start you on the road to a healthier heart.
- Stub It Out
Being smoke free is one of the most beneficial things you can do to protect your heart. Smoking affects the vessels that supply blood to your heart and other parts of your body. It also reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. According to studies, a smoker is four times more likely to die of heart disease (heart attack and stroke) and three times more likely to die from sudden cardiac death as compared to a non-smoker.
- Manage Your Cholesterol
When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries. The arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or even choked. If insufficient blood and oxygen reaches your heart, you may suffer chest pain. Heart attack occurs when blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage.
- Be Active
Exercise promotes positive physiological changes and it encourages the heart’s arteries to dilate more readily. Exercise intensity levels are rather subjective and depend on your fitness level. It will be advisable to consult your doctor before you embark on any fitness routine so that your doctor can assess your fitness and health level and he can recommend what kind of exercise is suitable for you.