Waist circumference more than 80 cm? Beware of Heart Disease

KOMPAS.com - Heart disease is the first cause of death in men and women, and the percentage is greater than the other five causes of death combined! There are many things that affect the risk of heart disease, but it's never too late to start maintaining heart health. Even small changes in lifestyle and diet alone can reduce the increased risk, namely:

1. Enough sleep. Less sleep can increase the risk of rise in blood pressure. That is what is reported Hypertension, American Heart Association's journal. Sleep allows the heart slows and blood pressure falls.

2. Consumption of many fruits. Vegetables and fruits have minerals called electrolytes and chemical substances called phytochemicals. All that protects cells from free radical damage. Bananas are rich in potassium helps lower blood pressure. Another study found that pomegranate juice may help shed fat deposits in the arteries. Noni juice from the South Pacific which are used as traditional medicine for over 2000 years old, otherwise can lower cholesterol levels.

3. Control of coffee consumption. Circulation, American Heart Association's journal, revealed that long-term caffeine consumption may not increase the risk of heart disease. The researchers analyzed the consumption of more than 128 thousand people and found no link between the amount they drink and the risk of heart attack. However, some experts do not agree with that. According to other research results, drink two cups before exercise actually reduces the body's ability to increase blood flow to the heart. Should limit only three cups of coffee a day.

4. Reduce salt. According to the United States Department of Health, reducing to one-third salt can lower heart disease risk by 40 percent. World Health Organization (WHO) itself explains that the state whose population consume three grams of salt or less a day tend to have a stable blood pressure until age 65 years.

5. Measure waist circumference. Measuring the ratio of waist and hips is the best way to see the risk of heart disease. The statement provided by The Lancet, a prestigious medical journal the world. This method is more reliable than the measurement of body mass index or weight. For men, waist circumference is safe from heart disease should not be greater than 90 cm. While women can not be longer than 80 cm. According to Dr. Marie Savard, author of Apples and Pears: A Revolutionary Diet Program for Weight Loss and Optimum Health, most forms of heart disease correlated with fat around the abdomen. So the paunchy have tripled the risk of stroke or heart failure.