HEAVY hearts

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

- Donna Fleming

Here’s a scary piece of information – every 90 minutes, a New Zealander dies from heart disease, making it the biggest killer in this country.

One in 20 adults is diagnosed with the condition, which is more than 165,000 Kiwis. It doesn’t matter how old you are or the state of your general health, it is really important to look after your ticker. Here’s how:

AIM FOR 7-8 HOURS SLEEP A NIGHT

A good amount of sleep is important for your health, and not getting enough – or too much – can be bad for your heart. One study has found that adults who sleep for seven hours a night have less calcium in their arteries (an early sign of heart disease) than those who sleep for five hours or less, or those who get more than nine hours a night.

HAVE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED

High blood pressure can lead to heart problems. It can damage artery walls and create scar tissue, making it harder for blood to get to and from your heart. This means the heart has to work harder and gets worn out faster, plus if not enough oxygen is getting through via your blood, part of it can begin to die. The trouble is, there are no symptoms of high blood pressure – you can have it without knowing. That’s why it is vital to have it checked regularly, especially if you’re over 40.