Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with nearly half of adults having some form of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. While eating well and exercising are widely recognized strategies for improving heart function, experts emphasize that a healthy heart also relies on healthy lungs, highlighting that a few daily habits aimed at improving your breathing can significantly contribute to long-term heart health.
In observance of American Heart Month this February, leading healthcare staffing agency Soliant Health is spotlighting lesser-known ways to promote heart health, helping people adopt fun and easy heart-boosting habits.
“While incredibly important, heart health isn’t just about diet and exercise—it’s influenced by a variety of everyday habits you might not even think about,” says Karen Stockdale, MBA, BSN, RN, a registered nurse with Soliant. “Since the heart and lungs work hand in hand to deliver oxygen to the body, daily habits that improve lung function—like deep breathing exercises, staying active, and avoiding pollutants—are key to preventing heart disease and supporting long-term cardiovascular health.”
According to Karen, here are five unique ways to boost your heart and lung health that you might not have heard before:
- Optimize Your Posture
You might not associate posture with heart health, but good spinal alignment can significantly improve lung and heart function by allowing the lungs to expand more fully, enhancing oxygen intake, promoting efficient breathing, and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system.
On the other hand, poor posture can compress the chest cavity, making it harder for the heart and lungs to work efficiently.
“When you slouch or maintain poor posture, your chest cavity becomes compressed, which restricts lung capacity and limits airflow,” Karen explains. “Over time, this can reduce the amount of oxygen circulating in your bloodstream, forcing the heart to work harder to supply oxygen throughout the body.”
- Wiggle Your Toes
It might sound silly, but wiggling your toes can actually play a role in improving lung health—and by extension, heart health—through its connection to circulation and the nervous system.
Toe wiggling helps stimulate blood flow in the lower extremities, which can prevent blood from pooling and encourage overall circulation. Good circulation supports oxygen delivery throughout the body, helping the lungs work more efficiently.
“Wiggle your toes for 30 seconds every hour—especially if you’re sitting or traveling for long periods of time. It’s an easy way to keep your circulation in check,” Karen recommends.
- Watch More Comedies
While stress has a negative impact on heart health, research suggests that the opposite of stress—laughter—may have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
Laughing more can improve lung health by stimulating deep breathing, which helps expand the lungs and increase oxygen intake. Karen explains, “When you laugh, your diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract, pushing air out of the lungs more forcefully and encouraging a greater exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.”
Additionally, laughter promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can lower blood pressure and improve circulation—key factors in heart health.
- Practice Gratitude Before Bed
Gratitude journaling, a practice that encourages reflection on positive aspects of life, can indirectly improve lung health—and in turn, heart health—by reducing stress levels.
“Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to inflammation in the body, including the respiratory system,” Karen reveals. “By cultivating a sense of calm and positivity through daily gratitude journaling, individuals may experience lower stress and anxiety, leading to more relaxed breathing patterns and improved lung function.”
Try jotting down three things you’re thankful for before going to bed. Not only will it improve your mood, but it may also give your heart a boost.
- Purse Your Lips
By slowing down the breathing process and prolonging exhalation, pursed-lip breathing keeps the airways open longer, which helps prevent airway collapse and improves airflow. According to Karen, pursed-lip breathing can be especially helpful during physical activity or stress. One tip for pursed lip breathing is to take a deep breath, and then slowly let it out as if you were slowly blowing out birthday candles, focusing on mindful inhales and exhales to optimize your lung capacity.
“The technique promotes better oxygen exchange by increasing the time available for oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to leave, which leads to improved lung efficiency,” Karen explains. “For the heart, this enhanced oxygenation reduces the workload, as the heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body.”
When to Seek Professional Care
Maintaining healthy lungs is essential for overall well-being and heart health, but it’s important to be aware of the early signs that could indicate potential lung problems. If you experience symptoms such as a persistent or worsening cough, shortness of breath during routine activities, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, fatigue, or frequent respiratory infections, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
By adopting these five simple habits, individuals can take a proactive approach to their heart health. As American Heart Month serves as a reminder of the importance of cardiovascular wellness, Soliant encourages everyone to explore fun, achievable strategies for a healthier heart. For more information about heart health or to explore healthcare job opportunities, visit www.soliant.com.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this press release is for general awareness and should not replace medical advice. Always seek professional guidance for any concerns regarding your lung or heart health. Individuals with existing lung conditions or heart problems should consult with their doctor before trying any new breathing exercises or lifestyle changes to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their specific health needs.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
