Doctor says there is one thing to ‘absolutely avoid’ doing in order to have a ‘strong heart’

A cardiovascular surgeon has revealed the one thing you must avoid in order to have a healthy heart.

More people are focusing on health nowadays than ever before, and it's fair to say that it's a welcome change.

So when it comes to your heart, the powerhouse for the entire body and the organ responsible for keeping us going by pumping 2,000 gallons of blood through our system, how do you keep it in tip-top shape?

It's not just about cutting down on junk food and sleeping more, though, as the most important thing about your lifestyle requires a fair amount of effort and commitment.

If you're still sceptical about making the changes, then don't take it from me, take it from a certified cardio surgeon.

Doing this one thing can lead to heart problems and even high blood pressure (Getty Stock Image)

Dr Jeremy London, MD is known for his health-related content on social media, boasting millions of followers across several platforms.

The American surgeon has previously talked about the red flags that can indicate a weak heart, among other signs you ought to be concerned about when it comes to your heart.

But now, he has outlined the single most dangerous thing you can do to put your heart at risk: have a sedentary lifestyle.

When asked about the one thing people should avoid, he answered: "The one thing you should avoid is a sedentary life."

"It's been shown that even a short course of bed rest can decrease heart function. I mean, the heart is just a muscle. If you don't use it, you lose it. And patients with strong hearts do so much better than patients with weak hearts," he explained.

The professional said that while it can be useful in recovering from any serious operations, having a healthy heart contributes a lot to your mortality and your lifespan.

"The good news is that consistent exercise with appropriate intensity can maintain or even improve heart function," he advised.

A healthy lifestyle could save you from years of health troubles (YouTube/Jeremy London, MD)

Dr London continued: "When you push yourself with exercise, it sends signals to your heart to make it more efficient as well as stronger. This translates into more years on your life.

"So, don't fall into the trap of a sedentary life. Move every day. Train with purpose and remember that your heart rewards the effort that you put into it."

The National Institute of Health states that those with coronary heart disease can benefit from regular aerobic activity as it helps to make the heart work better, while decreasing the chances of a second heart attack.