While Technology Lets You Measure Heart Health, Include these Foods to Stay Fit

Considering the rise in the rate of cardiovascular diseases around the world, it is imperative to keep a track on your heart health every now and then. Looks like experts are going to make it easy for you. The camera in your smartphone may be able to non-invasively provide detailed information about your heart’s health. According to the study, published in the journal of Critical Care Medicine, what used to require a 45-minute scan from an ultrasound machine can now be accomplished by simply holding your phone up to your neck for a minute or two.

The team has developed a technique that can infer the left ventricular ejection (LVEF) of the heart by measuring the amount that the carotid artery displaces the skin of the neck as blood pumps through it. "What is exciting about this study is that it shows our technique is as accurate as echocardiography at estimating LVEF when both are compared to the gold standard of cardiac MRI," said senior author Mory Gharib, Professor at California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

Technology may help keep your heart health on track, but to keep yourself fit, it is essential to switch to healthy foods and a proper diet. Here’s what you should add to your daily diet for a strong heart.

1. Include omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are good fats that should be included in your diet. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are walnuts, flaxseed oil, salmon and trout.  

2. Eat less salt and cut down on junk food

Experts have long been suggesting cutting down on salt consumption as it leads to a rise in blood pressure levels, further causing heart issues. It is recommended to cut down on junk and processed foods that have a high amount of salt.

3. Eat more dark chocolates than the regular ones

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Eating a little bit of dark chocolate daily can actually lower the risk of heart diseases. Scientists have found that consuming flavanol-rich cocoa products such as dark chocolate may benefit cardiovascular health.

4. Sip on healthy beverages

Switch to green tea or green coffee. They have various antioxidants that help prevent blood clotting and heart ailments.

5. Add more vitamin C to your diet

Including vitamin C rich foods in your diet can actually help in lowering the risk of heart diseases because of its powerful antioxidant properties.