Seven tips for a heart-healthy life
Heart disease is the biggest obstacle to a long life. Follow LiveWell and our social media for frequent tips that can prevent or delay heart disease.
Heart arrhythmias
Have you ever felt your heart racing? Or maybe you noticed your heart beating extremely slow or irregularly through a tracking device.
A heart arrhythmia is when an unusual beating pattern occurs. Not all heart arrhythmias are bad. Your heart will often beat faster when you are nervous, excited or have too much caffeine.
However, if you have an untreated heart arrhythmia caused by a heart malfunction, it can lead to severe problems, including stroke.
Tips to reduce risk factors
Some risk factors you can’t do anything about. People over 60 years of age, who have heart defects or have a family history of heart disease, are more likely to have a heart arrhythmia.
However, follow the tips below to reduce your other risk factors:
• Lower your blood pressure.
• Maintain a healthy cholesterol level.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet.
• Exercise for 150 minutes a week at a moderate aerobic level.
• Talk to your doctor about medications that might cause heart arrhythmias and discuss alternatives.
• Don’t use alcohol, tobacco or recreational drugs.
• Manage stress appropriately.
Symptoms
Having a symptom doesn’t mean you have a heart arrhythmia. If you have more than one, contact your doctor. Symptoms:
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting or near fainting
• Fatigue
• Fluttering in the chest
• Racing or slow heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
Smart devices
In addition to watching for symptoms, multiple smart devices, including watches, can alert you to an irregular heartbeat. An article on the American Heart Association website references a study in which smartwatches and fitness trackers detected irregular heart rhythms and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation with 98% accuracy.
Keep your heart beating regularly
Most people can take action to avoid or prolong developing a heart arrhythmia. If you notice symptoms or your smart device notifies you that you have a concern, call for medical help immediately.
For detailed tips on reducing risk factors, visit genesishcs.org/yourhealth.
Genesis is one of America's Top 50 Heart Hospitals
For the 2nd year in a row, as rated by Fortune Magazine and PINC AI.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Heart disease is the biggest obstacle to a long life. Follow LiveWell and our social media for frequent tips that can prevent or delay heart disease.
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Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.
Only colonoscopies can prevent colon cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps.
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Risk factors you can impact:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- Eating a lot of red meat and processed meat
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
Risk factors you cannot impact:
- Older age
- Racial and ethnic background
- Being a male
- Having gallbladder removed
- A personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
- A personal history of certain diseases
Visit genesishcs.org/screenings for more information on cancer screenings.
Ready to get healthy?
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.
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