{
  "id": 10455042,
  "title": "Gesund leben: Fünf Tipps für ein stärkeres Herz",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/gesund-leben-funf-tipps-fur-ein-starkeres-herz",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-28T13:23:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/medizin/gesund-leben-fuenf-tipps-fuer-ein-staerkeres-herz/100257995.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Taking care of your heart pays off in better quality of life, according to the German Heart Foundation, the Association of Settled Cardiologists, and the German Pharmacists' Association. These organizations recommend five simple steps to support your heart:\n\n1. Know your health values. Individuals should be aware of their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Regular monitoring of these values is especially important for those with heart conditions. Blood pressure can be checked at home using a device, while cholesterol levels and blood sugar can be monitored at pharmacies or during regular doctor's appointments. Early detection is crucial, so it's best to have these values checked at least once during a routine medical examination.\n\n2. Quit smoking. The advice is to avoid starting smoking in the first place, but for those who do, quitting as soon as possible is essential. Even if quitting is difficult, it can be motivating to know that within two years of quitting, the risk of heart attack can be reduced by half, according to the German Heart Foundation. They recommend setting a definite quit date and starting with small steps.\n\n3. Lose weight. Carrying excess weight puts strain on the heart and circulatory system, increasing the likelihood of conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. The key to weight loss is through movement and diet. Exercise doesn't necessarily mean intense workouts; simply taking steps in daily life, such as walking or cycling instead of driving, makes a difference. A balanced, plant-based diet is recommended, with reduced sugar and highly processed foods. Sodium intake should also be controlled, favoring vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods. The important thing is to start somewhere and seek support from others, as group efforts are often easier than going it alone.\n\n4. Prioritize rest. Insufficient or excessive sleep is detrimental to heart health. The German Heart Foundation suggests that seven hours of sleep per night is ideal on average. Establishing regular sleep times, following bedtime rituals, using cool and fresh air in the bedroom, avoiding late and heavy meals, refraining from late coffee consumption, and avoiding short naps after 3 PM can all contribute to better sleep quality.\n\n5. Stay up to date with vaccinations. Infections can particularly strain heart patients, especially the elderly. The German Heart Foundation recommends getting vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcus, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Standing Immunization Commission (Stiko) advises these four main vaccinations, and the German Heart Foundation now recommends a tetanus vaccination for all individuals over 60 in addition to these.",
  "summary": "Gesund alt werden - wer will das nicht? Das Herz spielt dabei eine wichtige Rolle. Schon kleine Schritte tragen dazu bei, dass es besser arbeitet. Das Gute ist: Anfangen lohnt sich jederzeit.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}