Good cardiovascular health is essential for maintaining a good quality of life. Caring for your heart health can give you more energy and endurance and may even help prevent cardiovascular disease-induced hearing loss.
Let’s take a look at how hearing and heart health are connected, as well as what you can do to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease-induced hearing loss.
How Does Cardiovascular Health Affect Hearing Loss?
A study on the relationship between cardiovascular health and hearing found that individuals with poor cardiovascular health were significantly more likely to experience decreased auditory function.
Coronary artery disease, a common heart condition, is one potential culprit for hearing loss. Coronary artery disease is caused by a build-up of plaques in the heart’s arteries. The plaque build-up, called atherosclerosis, can cause reduced blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. Reduced blood flow in the ears from coronary artery disease can lead to permanent hearing loss.
The inner ear contains tiny hair cells responsible for transmitting sound to your brain. When coronary artery disease causes poor blood flow in the ears, the cells can become damaged and unable to transmit sound. Hair cells in your ear cannot be regrown or healed. That is why it is so important to get regular hearing tests and take measures to prevent the development of coronary artery disease.
Preventing Coronary Artery Disease
Taking care of your heart health is a great way to prevent cardiovascular disease. Try following these four healthy habits from the Centers for Disease Control for better cardiovascular health:
- Choose healthy foods. Fruits and vegetables are high in heart-healthy vitamins and minerals. Try to include them in every meal. Avoid processed foods high in sodium, sugar, cholesterol and saturated and trans fats. Consumed in excess, processed foods can lead to sluggishness and poor heart health.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of developing heart disease. Because alcohol limits vary from person to person, talk to your doctor about the right amount for you.
- Stay active. Going for a run or walk at Rivercrest Park can be a fun addition to your day and help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. By adding regular physical activity to your daily life, you can improve your cardiovascular health and have the added benefit of a little fresh air.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking cigarettes significantly increases your risk for heart disease. Avoid smoking in any amount to protect your heart health.
Contact Audiology Associates of Redding today to speak to one of our trusted audiologists with questions about maintaining good hearing health.