10 ways to look after your loved one’s heart

As Valentine's Day is just around the corner and love is in the air, what better time than now to think about the best ways to care for your significant other (S/O). There’s no better gift than the gift of good health. So this Valentine’s Day, why not take a different approach to gift-giving, and introduce new lifestyle changes that will keep both your and your partner’s hearts healthy for years to come.

Read on to discover our top 10 ways to keep you and your loved one’s hearts healthy this Valentine’s Day and beyond!

1. Quit Smoking

If you’re a smoker, not only are you harming your own heart, but it could affect your S/O’s heart too. Second-hand smoke has been found to be one of the causes of heart disease in non-smokers, so by smoking around your loved ones you could be damaging their health as well as your own.

Quit smoking completely or avoid smoking around your partner in order to protect their heart health.

2. Make Them A Heart Healthy Dinner

Did you know there are a range of foods you can eat to improve heart health? If you’re cooking a meal for your partner, make it a heart healthy one by including ingredients such as salmon, tomatoes and whole grain foods. These foods are packed with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene and fibre, all of which play a key role in improving heart health.

3. Go For A Walk

Maintaining an active lifestyle plays a big part in keeping your heart healthy, so this Valentine’s Day why not embark on a leisurely stroll with your loved one? This is an easy healthy heart exercise that will get your blood pumping, and if you keep it up regularly, you’ll be on track for a healthy heart in no time.

4. Use Less Sugar And Salt When Preparing Your Meals

Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which is linked to heart disease. Being overweight, which can be caused by excessively consuming calorific and sugary food and drink is also bad for your heart.

Regardless of whether you’re the main cook in your household or you share the responsibility with your partner, reducing your sugar and salt intake will help to keep both your hearts in tip top shape.

5. Give Them A Massage

If you’ve noticed that your S/O is a little more tense and stressed out than normal, why not offer them a massage? Not only will this get you in their good books, but you’ll also help your partner to de-stress and relax.

Some people try to manage stress by drinking and smoking. In excess, these activities can increase your risk of heart disease, so it’s best to find other ways to help your partner cope with stressful situations where possible.

6. Opt For Healthy Snacks

If you’re unsure how to make your heart strong and healthy naturally, look no further. Opting for healthy snack alternatives can provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to keep your heart and body healthy while avoiding some more harmful options.

Rather than including snacks such as crisps and chocolate in your weekly shop, opt for healthier alternatives such as fruits and unsalted nuts. Decreasing your saturated fat intake can reduce your risk of high cholesterol, which is linked to heart disease.

For an added nutritional boost, opt for Vitabiotics Cardioace,which contains a comprehensive formula of vitamins and minerals to support cardiovascular health.

7. Get An Early Night

Did you know that the amount of sleep you get can affect your heart? Research has shown that people who get less sleep may have an increased risk of developing heart disease in the future.

Before you and your partner go to bed, make sure you take time to wind down and turn off mobile phones and TVs so that you get the best chance of getting a great night’s sleep.

8. Drink Less Alcohol

It can be easy to reach for a glass of wine after a stressful day at work, but this could be doing more harm than good.

Drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol per week not only has a negative effect on your heart, it can also impact your overall health, so it’s best to try and ditch the midweek tipple and enjoy alcohol in moderation.

9. Spend More Time Together

Did you know spending more quality time with your partner could actually help them with their heart health? The more time you spend with them, the more likely you’ll be able to spot changes that could mean their heart health or their overall health is suffering.

Visit the British Heart Foundation’s website for the 11 key signs of heart disease to look out for.

10. Opt For A Heart Healthy Breakfast

If you’re treating your S/O to breakfast in bed this Valentine’s Day, be sure to fill it with heart healthy foods to give their heart a much needed nutritional boost.

Ditch the high-fat fry up for a poached egg and avocado on toast, or alternatively opt for a hearty bowl of porridge with fruit to start your partner’s day off on the right foot.