When you think of heart health, you might picture exercises, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure—but did you know that your cardiovascular health is directly tied to your brain’s function?
February is American Heart Month, and it’s the perfect time to explore the vital connection between your heart and brain.
The brain relies on a steady, healthy blood supply to function at its best. Conditions that affect your heart, like high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of strokes and other neurological complications.
Let’s explore how caring for your heart can protect your brain and improve your overall health.
The Heart-Brain Connection
Your heart pumps about 20% of your body’s blood supply to the brain. This blood delivers oxygen and essential nutrients needed for cognitive functions like memory, focus, and problem-solving.
If blood flow to the brain is compromised, it can lead to serious conditions, including:
- Stroke: Caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain, often due to a blood clot or ruptured vessel.
- Vascular Dementia: Chronic damage to brain blood vessels, impacting memory and decision-making.
- Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs): Often called “mini-strokes,” these are temporary disruptions in blood flow that can serve as a warning sign for a future stroke.
By improving heart health, you can lower your risk of these brain-related issues.
Risk Factors That Impact Both Heart and Brain Health
Many risk factors overlap between cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
Addressing these can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke or cognitive decline:
- High Blood Pressure: The leading cause of strokes. Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range protects blood vessels in the brain.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated LDL cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain.
- Diabetes: This condition doubles the risk of stroke due to its effect on blood vessels.
- Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat increases the risk of blood clots traveling to the brain.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Heart and Brain
The good news?
Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a big impact on both your heart and brain health:
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
- Follow the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods like salmon, leafy greens, and walnuts support both heart and brain function.
- Get Regular Exercise
- Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g., walking, swimming) five days a week. Exercise improves circulation and helps manage risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Manage Stress Levels
- Chronic stress can strain your heart and increase blood pressure. Practices like meditation or yoga can lower stress and benefit your brain.
- Prioritize Sleep
- Sleep is essential for both cardiovascular and neurological health. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Stay on Top of Medical Checkups
- Regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can catch issues early. Discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor.
When to See a Neurologist
If you’ve experienced symptoms like frequent dizziness, memory loss, or mini-strokes (TIAs), it’s crucial to consult a neurologist. These could be early signs of neurological conditions linked to cardiovascular health.
At the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, our experts specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions like strokes and vascular dementia.
We partner with you and your healthcare team to ensure your brain and heart stay in sync.
A Healthier Future Starts Today
Your heart and brain work together in harmony to keep you healthy and thriving. By taking steps to improve your cardiovascular health, you can protect your brain from serious neurological issues.
Schedule an appointment with the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology to assess your brain health and learn how to lower your risk of stroke.