29.DEC.2017 5 MIN READ | 5 MIN READ



What are the best foods and vitamins to strengthen your heart?

One of the cornerstones for supporting a healthy heart is your diet. When it comes to a heart-healthy diet, follow 3 simple rules:

  • Eat a variety of nutritious food from all the food groups

What exercises can you do to strengthen your heart?

Exercises to strengthen your heart

Aim to walk at least 30 minutes each time at a heart rate of 55 – 60% your maximum average heart rate. You can calculate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. For example, if you're 45 years old, your maximum heart rate would be 175 beats per minute.



What habits are detrimental to heart health?

The big 4 no-no’s for a healthy heart are:

  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Poor stress management

How often should you go for a check-up?

Check up regularly
Patients with significant risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, kidney disease or stroke should follow up regularly with their physicians. The frequency of their visits depend on their condition. This can range from every 3 months to every 6 months.

For people without significant risk factors and aged above 20, we suggest visiting your family physician to calculate your 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, every 4 – 6 years. Those with an elevated 10-year risk (7.5% and more) will need closer follow-up.

How do emotions and mental health affect your heart?

Relaxation for mental healthStress may lead to behaviours that increase heart disease risk, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, overeating and procrastinating exercise.



Article contributed by Dr Kenneth Guo, cardiologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Guo Wei Qiang Kenneth
Parkway East Hospital

Dr Kenneth Guo is a cardiology specialist practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore.