In Pics | 10 best ways to keep your heart healthy

The heart is one of the most important and key organs that work tirelessly till one's last breath. With improper food style, irregular work culture and air & water pollution, there are direct and indirect effects to one’s life. In India, heart and circulatory diseases are still one of the biggest killers. Here we suggest 10 tips to keep the heart hale and hearty.

Reduce Salt: One should cut down on salt as these increases risk of suffering from heart disease or stroke. Inclusion of high salt in diet is likely to increase blood pressure. Credit: Getty Images

Less sugar in diet: High sugar content could lead to diabetes and weight gain. These reduce the blood pressure and lead to heart disease. However, one can satisfy sweet tooth by having fresh fruit and puddings. Credit: Reuters Photo

Controlled saturated fat: Consuming saturated fat like dairy products, fatty meat and processed foods are believed to increase cholesterol levels. One should pick dairy products wisely and should learn to pick low-fat products. Credit: Getty Images

Fill your bowl with fruits and veggies: Inclusion of potassium in your daily diet helps you to lower blood pressure. Minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables help to keep your heart healthy. Credit: Getty Images

Inclusion of omega-3 fat: Fishes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for heart as they improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Vegetarians can get omega-3 fats from spinach, wheat germ, walnuts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, soya and canola oil and pumpkin seeds. Credit: Getty Images

Controlling alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking poses big risks to the heart as it has complex effects on the heart. Limiting the drinking habits improves the blood pressure to healthy levels and helps heart to perform smoothly. Credit: Getty Images

Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and people who smoke are twice as likely to have a heart attack compared with those who never smoke. Apart from damaging the lining of arteries, it also reduces the amount of oxygen in blood and raises blood pressure. Credit: Getty Images

Exercise regularly: Studies show that people who work out regularly are at lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Cardio or a brisk 15-minute walk daily helps heart to function properly. Credit: Getty Images

Keep a control on weight: One should keep a check on the weight at regular intervals and if you’re heftier than your ideal weight then it will put you under the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol that may weak the heart and hamper its functioning. Credit: Getty Images

Controlling Stress: Stress not only affects the mental health but also increases the chance of heart problems. One under stress is likely to get addicted to smoke and alcohol. Credit: Getty Images