The five smartest things you can do for heart health right now! by Kristin Massamiri, Physical Therapist For this Valentine’s day, give yourself a gift. Take care of your heart on a daily basis!

1. Break a Sweat: Exercising for 30 minutes daily strengthens your heart by lowering the “bad” LDL cholesterol and raising the “good” HDL cholesterol and reducing inflammation. It will also help you loose weight, which ultimately helps your heart.
2. Go Nuts: Eating at least a handful of almonds (about an ounce or 23 almonds) a day lowers LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and hazelnuts are high in heart-smart omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Call your pals: Stress is the greatest preventable cause of heart disease, says Dr. Mehmet Oz. After a particular stressful day think about what makes your heart happy. A good laugh with a good friend, a long walk with a loved one, hugging your kids. Find a stress release, which will ultimately help your heart.
4. Go to Bed Early: Sleep deprivation takes more than an emotional toll, it results in aging. Fewer than 7 hours of sleep at night increases arterial aging and your risk for heart attack.
5. Aspirin: It is recommended that men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 50 should be taking two low- dose aspirin (81 mg each) a day in consultation with their health professional. Aspirin’s primary benefit is that is blocks the generalized inflammatory response that is a consequence of aging that can lead to a heart attack.

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