Top 10 Signs of a Healthy Heart You Should Know

Living in the current era, we are now more aware of preventive health issues than of waiting for them to happen and then finding a cure. Are you one of those people who are conscious about their health and looking for a guide who can support their well-being and heart health? Then you have come to the right place. Here we will discuss signs of a healthy heart and risk factors that can put your heart at risk of failure.  Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of death is heart disease, and we need to do something about it. A study revealed that between 1999 and 2019, more than 5 million deaths related to heart failure occurred among adults aged 75 and older. This alarming situation highlights the need for health initiatives that can lower the risk in the future.

A healthy heart means you are overall healthy and have a strong circulatory system. But how do you know if your heart is healthy? Want to know about the signs of a healthy heart? Here is what you need to know: 

Top 10 signs you have a healthy heart:

A study was held in 2022 that ensured everyone has the opportunity for optimal cardiovascular health and a better quality of life. They declared 8 life essentials for cardiovascular health, which also include, but are not limited to, physical activity, good sleep, and a balanced diet. If you are also following a good lifestyle, then you should also check for the signs that you are going to the right path. Here are the 10 signs that will tell you that you have a healthy heart and your efforts will lead you to live a healthy life:

1. You have a blood pressure in the healthy range: 

If you have a blood pressure within the healthy range of 120/800 mmHg, then it is a sign that your heart is in good health and will not limit you by lowering your quality of life. You are at lower risk of developing a heart condition as compared to those with high blood pressure. 

2. You exercise and eat mindfully: 

Regular exercise and mindful eating are one thing that can save you from many health issues. It is like a one solution to all your problems if you just eat right and exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week. So, if you are already following this lifestyle, then you are making a big difference to support your well-being. 

3. You sleep peacefully: 

A good quality sleep is essential to regulate your body’s organ systems. You are basically recharging yourself every day to work efficiently and reducing the load on your heart by this positive living habit.  

4. You actively choose to limit your alcohol consumption: 

Drinking alcohol not just deteriorates a healthy heart but also damages your liver when consumed without any control. So if you are consciously aware and control your alcohol intake, it can give you more years to live with a healthy heart and good quality of life. 

5. You have a body weight according to your BMI:

Curious whether your weight is right for your body type? Controlling your body weight is not solely a complete method of supporting health, but it can be a part that affects your heart health. So, maintaining a weight according to your BMI can be a sign that you are heading in the right direction. 

6. You manage stress effectively:

A healthy mind is as important as having good physical health. For this, you must be able to deal with stressors in the most positive way. It is not unusual if you find yourself in a situation with a high level of stress. But you must have complete control over it to support your overall health. If you are already doing that, you are emotionally intelligent plus not compromising your heart health. 

7. Your Blood tests are normal:

A regular check-up with blood tests, including blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and complete blood count, will tell you if you have the right numbers or not. You are supporting your heart health if your blood tests are consistently normal. 

8. You have good energy throughout the day:

Love to participate in contact sports? Then you can judge your heart health if you are continuously playing with good stamina and endurance. It means your heart can provide oxygen-rich blood to your body to work efficiently when needed. 

9. You do not smoke:

Smoking is also a risk factor for various heart issues. Quitting smoking lowers the risk of heart failure, but the risk remains high for years afterward, as reported in 2022. This highlights the importance of quitting early to reduce that risk. So, not being a smoker is already a favor to your health. 

10. You do not have other medical conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol:

Having other medical conditions like high blood sugar levels and cholesterol increases strain on your heart, which means more work and less time to rest. Imagine working continuously with no rest. It will surely make your heart weak, which can compromise your health. 

What is a healthy heart rate, and why does it matter?

A healthy heart rate means your heart beats in a healthy range per minute. For most adults, it is 72 to 100 beats per minute, but it can vary according to the present condition, like exercise, stress, anxiety, and the effect of some medications. If your heart beats in the given healthy range, then it means you can work efficiently without putting your heart under stress. 

Having a healthy heart rate matters, as it can give you a sign that your heart muscles work properly to pump blood throughout your body and supply vital organs with oxygen and nutrients. 

How can you check if your heart is in good health?

Struggling to make a checklist for assessing your heart health? Here we provide you with the essential components, all in one place, that can help you assess your strong heart. 

• Make a habit of checking your pulse and blood pressure at home regularly.
• See if you can engage and perform efficiently in physically demanding activities.
• Assess your heart health with tests like ECG, blood tests, stress test, and chest X-ray.
• See if you are exposed to any of the risk factors of cardiac problems. 
• If you notice any symptoms of heart failure, you should immediately report to your doctor so that they can manage your heart health without any permanent damage. 

What puts your heart at risk?

A European Journal of Preventive Cardiology published an article that highlights a wide range of risk factors that contribute to the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD), including high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and unhealthy diets. Environmental risks like air pollution, low temperatures, and lead exposure also play a role. Poor nutrition, such as low intake of fruits, fiber, and healthy fats, adds to the overall risk. Here is a list of risks that put your heart in danger:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol levels (especially LDL)
• Smoking
• Diabetes or high blood sugar
• Obesity or high BMI
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet (high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats)
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Family history of heart disease
• Chronic stress or poor mental health
• Age (risk increases with age)
• Sex (men are generally at higher risk)
• Sleep apnea or poor sleep quality

How to have a healthy heart? An Approach to a Healthy Heart

Where healthcare professionals are trained to treat diseases, they are also working to prevent major problems by following effective methods and habits. Here is an approach that can allow you to adapt methods to support your healthy heart: 

• Understand modifiable risk factors and work on them to reduce your chances of heart disease. Modifiable risks mean you can modify the risk you are exposed to. For example, quit smoking or change your diet of high cholesterol to lower your chances of heart disease. 
• Know the symptoms of cardiovascular disease, which may include chest pain, breathlessness, pain that radiates to the arm, back, neck, and jaw. 
• Look for any unusual symptoms and immediately report to your doctor, as postponing treatment is a significant risk factor, but it's one we have the ability to alter. According to a study held in 2021, identifying patients who are at risk early can improve their treatment, and scheduling regular check-ups is a smart approach to lessen the impact of heart failure. 
• Be a part of an active routine where you take 8000 to 10,000+ steps a day.

What are the signs of heart disease?

Beware of the following heart disease symptoms and talk to your doctor for further management:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, or back
• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weakness or fainting

What Is Your Body Telling You? Spot the Signs of Heart Failure Early.

Understanding congestive heart failure early can be crucial for effective management, as the early critical period after an incident decides whether the damage is reversible or not. Pay attention to symptoms like persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. You might notice a rapid or irregular heartbeat and find that simple activities become increasingly difficult. 

Heart failure doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms. Sometimes, it whispers through fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling. Learning to recognize these subtle signs early can make all the difference in protecting your heart and your future health. It is also important to monitor any sudden weight gain or increased nighttime urination, as these can signal fluid retention. Moreover, feelings of confusion or impaired concentration may also signal heart failure. 

Recognizing these warning signs and consulting with a healthcare professional quickly can lead to better outcomes and improve quality of life.

LVAD – A Lifeline for Failing Hearts

An LVAD, or Left Ventricular Assist Device, is a supporting treatment for patients with heart failure. LVAD takes over the functioning of the weak heart that becomes unable to pump blood from the ventricles to the main artery, the aorta. An LVAD heart device is a mechanical pump that is implanted in your heart through a surgical procedure and consists of internal components, the LVAD pump and driveline, and external components, batteries, and the controller. 

Life after LVAD can be different, as it involves handling and carrying the components of LVAD with you all the time. But thanks to LVADGear for providing LVAD clothing that has made it easier and simpler to take care of the device and move independently without any fear. 

FAQs

What is the ideal heart rate for a healthy person?

A normal heart rate for an adult ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, it can be different in athletes and people having an anxiety attack.  

How can I keep my heart healthy naturally?

You can keep your heart healthy naturally by following an active lifestyle and eating a balanced diet. You can also optimize your heart health by changing modifiable risks like smoking and alcohol consumption.

Is 100/60 blood pressure healthy?

100/60 blood pressure is usually considered low, but for some individuals, it can be normal. Always correlate such findings with other symptoms to suspect heart disease. 

Can you have heart problems without symptoms?

Yes, it is possible to have heart problems without any visible symptoms. For patients with stage 1 heart failure, there are no symptoms visible or activity limitations.