Recovering from COVID-19 puts significant stress on your body—not just your lungs, but your heart as well. It worked overtime to help you fight the virus. Supporting your heart's recovery with evidence-based strategies can promote long-term cardiovascular health.
Even if you're not ready for intense workouts, incorporate gentle movement daily. Take brisk walks or bike rides on pleasant days. Prolonged inactivity raises risks of blood clots and heart issues. Experts advise starting at 50-60% of your capacity and gradually increasing intensity to avoid overexertion while staying active.
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A heart-healthy diet is always essential, especially post-COVID. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, poultry, and unsaturated fats can reduce heart disease risk by up to one third. Limit dairy, highly processed foods, fried items, and saturated fats—like that tempting bitterballen.
While quarantining with COVID symptoms, stay vigilant for heart red flags. Consult your doctor promptly for chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular/fast heartbeat. They'll check blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides to catch issues early and prevent complications.
Beyond exercise and diet, optimize your full lifestyle for heart health. Cut back on alcohol and quit smoking—the most impactful step for cardiovascular improvement. Smoking cessation reduces a host of risks, with heart health topping the list. If needed, try nicotine patches, gum, or distractions to quit successfully.
