Good cardiovascular health can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, provide you with more energy and endurance and help prevent cardiovascular disease-related hearing loss.
Research on the link between cardiovascular health and auditory function has found that poor cardiovascular health can directly lead to decreased auditory function. One possible culprit for the association is the impact of blood flow on hearing.
Coronary artery disease, a common cardiovascular condition, can reduce blood flow in the heart and other parts of the body, including your ears. Your ears have small hair cells that transmit noise to your brain. Reduced blood flow from coronary artery disease can damage the hair cells within the ears and lead to permanent hearing damage.
Because hair cells in your ears cannot grow back after damage, it is important to take care of your heart health to prevent conditions, such as coronary artery disease, which may damage the cells.
Let’s take a look at four tips from the Centers for Disease Control for better heart health.
Choose Healthy Foods
Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables, can help keep your heart healthy. Try to avoid processed foods high in sodium, sugar, cholesterol and saturated and trans fats.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
The recommended limits for alcohol change depending on the person. Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart disease. Contact your doctor for help determining the right amount for you.
Stay Active
Physical activity can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering your cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. Try adding a walk or run at Hillaire Park to your daily routine to help you exercise more.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking cigarettes can significantly increase your risk for not only heart disease but also lung cancer, diabetes, chronic bronchitis and more. Avoid smoking in any amount to protect your heart health.
Following these tips for better cardiovascular health will help protect you from heart disease-related hearing loss.
For questions on managing and preventing hearing loss, contact Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic today to speak to one of our trusted audiologists.