5 Lifestyle Habits to Boost Your Vascular Health

Your vascular health can be a major determinant factor in your risk for cardiovascular disease or heart attack. Changing your lifestyle and forming better habits can help you improve your vascular health.

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed and our team can help you prevent common but severe vascular issues like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by improving your vascular health. Here are five ways changing your lifestyle can help.

1. Get enough exercise 

Regular exercise has many benefits for vascular health. It can strengthen your heart, improve circulation, and help keep blood pressure levels under control. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym; just 20 to 30 minutes a day, four or five days a week, of moderate activity like jogging, cycling, or swimming can make a difference. 

2. Eat a heart-healthy diet 

Foods rich in antioxidants, especially fruits and vegetables, can significantly improve your vascular health. Add these to your diet as well as lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains to support your blood vessel walls, help prevent plaque build-up, and lower your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.  

3. Quit smoking  

Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of vascular health. Tobacco use is proven to damage your blood vessels, reduce oxygen flow, and cause arterial plaque build-up. Quitting is the top thing you can do for your vascular health, and there are many resources available to help you ditch this bad lifestyle habit.  

4. Manage stress levels 

Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure, put strain on your vascular system, and increase your risk of heart disease. Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or even therapy can help you manage your stress levels, as can stepping back from unnecessary responsibilities and taking regular breaks during the day.    

5. Get enough quality sleep 

Poor sleep can increase your risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In fact, adults who get five hours or less of sleep a night have a 200%-300% higher risk of coronary artery build-up. Your sleep quality can be affected by sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome, interrupted sleep due to insomnia, or even sleep apnea.

Improving your vascular health through lifestyle changes may not be all you need, but it’s a good place to start. If you already have poor vascular health, the team at Apex Endovascular can help.

Not sure where to start to protect your vascular health, or wondering if you’re even at risk? Call Apex Endovascular at 970-508-8439 to learn more, or book a consultation online today.