Healthy Habits Benefit Far More Than the Heart

Heart healthy behaviors extend far beyond the heart, positively impacting brain function, vision, hearing, muscle strength, and even reducing the risk of certain diseases.

Recent studies show that heart health influences every system in the body, and even small lifestyle tweaks can reduce risks. Among the key findings:

• Ideal heart health is rare worldwide. Very few people met all ideal cardiovascular health metrics.
• Heart health declines with age. Long‑term studies show that people tend to have better heart health when they’re younger.
• Social and environmental factors (nonclinical impacts on health that are referred to as social drivers of health) matter a lot. People with fewer resources, those living in under‑resourced communities and individuals exposed to social disadvantage consistently had poorer heart health.  

How Heart Healthy Behaviors Benefit Your Body

These benefits contribute to living longer, feeling better and staying physically fit.

Sharper brain: Good heart health improves blood flow to the brain, which helps with memory and thinking, and reduces the risk of dementia.

Stronger lungs: People with ideal heart health are more likely to maintain strong breathing function and have a lower risk of lung disease.

Improved vision and hearing: Good circulation protects the small blood vessels in your eyes and ears.

Stronger muscles and easier movement: Good heart health is linked to stronger muscles and better balance. This helps you stay active and independent as you age.

Healthier metabolism: Better heart health may lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease.

Less inflammation: You may experience fewer issues like chronic pain, joint trouble and inflammatory‑related diseases.

Healthier pregnancy outcomes: It helps lower the risk of complications like high blood pressure.

Lower risk of diseases: It may help protect you from kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Alzheimer’s.

Surprising Heart Healthy Behaviors

It’s not just about eating your veggies, exercising and not smoking. Below are simple things you can start today to improve your health.

1. Activity burst - Incorporate short bursts of physical activity, like squats, during daily routines. Try lunges or squats while you brush your teeth or wait for the microwave.
2. Try music therapy - Soothing songs may lower heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Remember hand hygiene - Good habits may prevent infections that can stress the heart.
4. Take a digital detox - Limit screen time to reduce sedentary behavior and overeating.
5. Take care of your teeth and gums - Inflammation from gum disease can damage blood vessels and raise heart disease risk.
6. Laugh more - Laughter reduces stress, improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Regular laughter can act as a mild cardio workout.
7. Pets enrich our lives - Pets may lower blood pressure and stress, increase physical activity, and boost emotional health.
8. Warm up your heart - A warm or hot bath can boost circulation, lower blood pressure and relax your body.