Maintaining a strong ticker is essential to good health. Good cardiovascular health can help you avoid a long list of different ailments. Here are five proven ways to keep your heart happy.

Stay Active

It’s no secret that couch potatoes tend to experience more health problems. If you want to keep your heart in peak condition, make it a point to stay active. While you don’t need to be a marathon runner, experts recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes a day. Some great activities include jumping rope, cycling, playing tennis, and jogging. Even briskly walking around the neighborhood can dramatically lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack.

Reduce Your Salt Intake

Research shows the majority of Americans consume an excessive amount of sodium. Unfortunately, this puts you at a greater risk of experiencing hypertension. Make it a conscious effort to lower your salt intake. Processed foods are among the biggest sources of sodium. Try to prepare more home-cooked meals. When flavoring your food, opt to use salt-free seasonings.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a serious problem. A lack of rest dramatically increases the likelihood of you developing cardiovascular disease. Though there are experts, like Desert Cardiovascular Consultants, to help you if you do end up with heart trouble, getting good sleep can help you avoid it. Aim to get at least seven or eight hours of sleep per night. If you’re having trouble unwinding, this could stem from your consumption of coffee. Caffeine can actually remain in a person’s bloodstream for more than 24 hours. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is not a sleep aid. While beer and wine may initially make you feel relaxed, these alcoholic beverages can increase periods of wakefulness through the night.

Avoid Secondhand Smoke

Be sure to avoid secondhand smoke at all costs. People regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are up to 30% more likely to develop heart problems. Not only can cigarette smoke raise your blood pressure, but it can also emit chemicals that promote the development of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Eat Dark Chocolate Instead of Candy

Dark chocolate is healthier than you may think. Studies reveal consuming dark chocolate can noticeably lower blood pressure. The compounds in cocoa can trigger the production of nitric oxide, thus enabling the blood vessel walls to relax. However, be sure to choose chocolate with the lowest amount of sugar.

Make heart health a top priority. A few lifestyle changes can help this vital organ to perform better at any age. The previously mentioned tips will certainly get you headed in the right direction.