Heart health experts have recently revealed ten essential tips to help Australians maintain good cardiovascular health. These tips encompass a range of lifestyle factors, including exercise, diet, and stress management.

According to the experts, incorporating 30 to 60 minutes of resistance exercise into one’s routine, along with maintaining a healthy waistline and adhering to a Mediterranean diet, can significantly contribute to cardiovascular well-being. Emphasizing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and low-fat dairy, the experts also caution against the consumption of highly processed foods.

Professor Luigi Fontana from the Charles Perkins Centre highlighted the interconnectedness of diet and exercise, stressing that they should be viewed as complementary components rather than independent factors. He cautioned against solely focusing on diet for weight management, as it may lead to the loss of muscle mass and subsequent regain of fat.

Fontana further suggested that maintaining a healthy heart involves not only eating well and exercising but also shedding excess weight. He explained that individuals often turn to food or other addictive substances to stimulate dopamine, which can have adverse effects on their health.

Additional recommendations from the experts include limiting alcohol consumption, refraining from smoking, ensuring adequate sleep (between seven to nine hours per night), reducing exposure to pollution, managing stress levels, breaking unhealthy habits, and spending quality time with family.

These insights from heart health experts serve as valuable guidelines for individuals looking to prioritize their cardiovascular well-being and overall health.