Committing to better heart health is a great New Year’s resolution, but it can also feel pretty overwhelming. The good news: You can make big improvements in your heart health with just a few simple changes to your regular routine. Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, and the team at TLC Medical Group Inc. show you how.
Being active regularly is one of the most effective ways to improve your heart health — and your overall wellness, too. In fact, regular exercise can improve your cholesterol levels, your stress levels, and even your mood, all of which benefit your heart, too.
Best of all, there’s no need to join a gym or engage in intense activity. Even a half hour of moderate movement each day (like walking) improves circulation, supports a healthy weight, and strengthens your cardiovascular system.
Choosing foods that support cardiovascular health can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, too. Focus on reducing sodium, added sugars, and processed foods, and on adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats that provide essential nutrients while keeping cholesterol levels in check.
As with exercise, consistency is key. Start with small changes and gradually add more healthy habits. Over time, eating well becomes easier, helping you maintain energy and protect your heart and overall health.
Chronic stress affects your body in lots of ways, including raising your blood pressure, speeding up your heart rate, and increasing inflammation — three factors that put extra strain on your heart. Learning to manage stress isn’t easy, but fortunately, you have lots of options, making it easier to find activities and routines that work for your lifestyle.
Simple practices like deep breathing or mindfulness activities can be done anywhere —even at work or while waiting in long lines at the store. Gentle movement, like stretching or yoga, can reduce tension and support relaxation, too.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, yet because it causes no (or very subtle) symptoms on its own, it’s often overlooked. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly — either at home or during routine doctor visits — helps us track your numbers and spot unhealthy trends early, so together we can take steps to manage your health more effectively.
If your blood pressure is higher than it should be, lifestyle changes and medications can help lower your numbers and protect your heart. Our team works with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs for better heart health now and in the future.
Quality sleep plays a major role in heart health, but sadly, many of us don’t get enough rest. Lack of sleep or sleep that’s interrupted or “light” increases stress hormones, elevates your blood pressure, and contributes to weight gain, too.
Setting a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming nighttime routine, and limiting screen time can all support healthier sleep patterns. You can find plenty of simple tips to improve your own sleep habits here.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your heart and your overall health. Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, causes chronic inflammation, and significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quitting isn’t easy, but we can help you build a strong support network to help you reach your goal. You can find plenty of help online, too. Get started at SmokeFree.gov.
Heart disease affects people in different ways at different ages, and it involves different risk factors, too. Having regular cardiovascular checkups is vital for keeping your heart healthy at every stage of your life.
Regular visits help us monitor your heart’s activity so we can recommend appropriate actions, such as additional screening, lifestyle changes, medication, or other interventions.
One of the best things about these tips is that they don’t just protect your heart—they also support your overall wellness and improve your quality of life.
To schedule your cardiovascular evaluation and receive personalized tips based on your specific risk factors, request an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.
