Heart disease is one of the biggest killers on the planet. It takes several lives every year, and people may not realise that it can run in families.

This might sound scary, but it isn’t a death sentence. While families with a history of heart disease have a greater likelihood of passing this down, it doesn’t mean you’re sure to suffer.

There are countless ways to improve your heart health. As the most important organ in the body, it’s essential you look after it. Here are some of the ways you can do that:

1. Knowing your family history

The first step in ensuring your heart health is to understand your family history. Heart disease often comes down to genetics, so it’s important to understand your own.

The easiest way to understand this is to simply have a chat with your family. Usually, if the male members of your family are diagnosed before the age of 55, or 65 in the case of female family members, you’re considered to have a higher risk of developing the disease. Understanding your family history will help you to know your own risk.

2. Make a doctor’s appointment

Your next step should be to talk with your doctor. Tell them of your concerns, your family history and they can tell you the best next steps.

Your doctor may recommend tests for cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. If they have any further concerns, they might refer you for more detailed tests, such as an echocardiogram, to get a clearer picture of your heart.

3. Don’t stress

This is easier said than done, but it’s probably one of the most important steps on this list. No matter how worried you are, no matter what your doctor says, you can’t let yourself get taken ver by stress.

Stress can affect your body in numerous unhealthy ways. It can cause insomnia, increase blood pressure and encourage bad habits such as binge eating or drinking. All of these factors can have a negative impact on your heart. So, it’s essential to plan ways to destress, such as making time for meditation, exercise, or your favourite hobbies.  

4. Change up your habits

A way to help with your stress levels is to take action and feel in control of your health. You can easily do this when it comes to your heart health.

One of the easiest ways to make a difference is to simply walk more. You’ll be surprised by the wonders this can do for your heart. Not only this, but you can also swap unhealthy treats for healthy fruit and veg. If you’re looking to make a big change, you could always try to quit unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking and smoking.

Look to the future

You might be feeling trapped by the knowledge of your family history, but this doesn’t need to define you. Just because you have a higher risk of developing the disease doesn’t mean you’re destined for it.

You can easily improve your health by making small changes to your lifestyle. Start small and work up to b****r and more challenging changes. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll see changes!

A healthy heart is a healthy life – remember to take care of the most important organ in your body, and it’ll take care of you!