Manage your AIA plans, employee benefits, stay healthy with AIA Vitality, and access healthcare services.
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{{label}}07 December 2018
Little Buddies:
Pumping 24/7 and keeping us alive with every beat, the heart is seated in the middle of the chest, behind the breastbone and between the lungs, protected by the rib cage.
The heart is a muscular blood pumping organ that consists of 4 chambers:
The heart performs 3 main functions:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Malaysia. Heart disease is more than just heart attacks and blocked arteries. Here are some common heart conditions to be aware of.
ARRHYTHMIA
ANGINA
HEART VALVE DISEASE
HEART FAILURE
BE SMOKE FREE
Smoking is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. It not only damages the lining of your arteries but reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and raises your blood pressure.
CUT THE SALT
A high salt diet can lead to high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease. Reduce salt while cooking, limit your intake of processed foods, and go easy on sauces.
LIMIT BAD FAT
Eat healthy fats but limit saturated fat as it raises bad cholesterol levels (LDL) which can clog your arteries. Switch to semi-skimmed milk, low-fat dairy foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, choose lean cuts of meats and opt for steaming or grilling methods instead of frying.
REDUCE YOUR STRESS
Be sure to get proper sleep and indulge in relaxing activities as stress can lead to physical and mental exhaustion that is bad for your heart.
LIMIT BAD FAT
Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease. Avoid sitting for long hours, stay active and try to maintain a healthy weight for a healthy heart.
LAUGH YOUR HEART OUT
Laughter is definitely the best medicine for your heart as the act of laughter releases nitric oxide, a molecule known to relax arteries, making it more flexible and wider and permitting easier blood flow. So, laugh your heart out!
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.
AIA Vitality is a unique insurance and health programme that actively supports and rewards you for making healthier choices every day so you can live a healthier, longer and better life.
