The big game can spike stress hormones, taking a toll on your heart and your health. Whether you’re rooting for your team or getting overly excited about a favorite commercial, our bodies respond to intensity by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
For anyone with heart disease or other known risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking or high cholesterol, here are some tips to help your heart:
STAY HYDRATED
Fill up on fluids like water or fruit-infused seltzer water. Often we think we are hungry when we are actually dehydrated.
ENJOY A PRE-PARTY SNACK
Don’t start the game on an empty tank. Fill up on high-fiber, high-protein snacks like an apple with nut butter or low-fat cheese and crackers, and you’ll be less tempted to tackle the chips, dips, wings and pizza.
BE MINDFUL OF ALCOHOL
Be aware of your alcohol intake. Alcohol adds calories and reduces willpower, impairing your ability to control what you eat.
KEEP CALM
Win or lose, don’t let the game be a real heart breaker for you.
Celebrate American Heart Month
Each February during American Heart Month, the WakeMed Heart Center takes the opportunity to step out and share the importance of taking care of your heart.
Whether it’s undergoing a procedure, learning about risk factors for heart disease, considering healthier eating options or putting your best foot forward on the treadmill, your health is close to our hearts.
Learn more about heart-related events that are taking place. Get daily tips on how to live life young at heart. And learn about better nutrition for better heart health.
