{"id":469531,"date":"2026-02-15T05:16:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T05:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/469531\/"},"modified":"2026-02-15T05:16:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T05:16:07","slug":"cardiologists-share-6-surprising-lifestyle-habits-that-boost-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/469531\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardiologists Share 6 Surprising Lifestyle Habits That Boost Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heart disease is the leading cause of death<\/a> in America, making it a health concern worth paying attention to. But while heart disease is scary, research<\/a> suggests that the majority of cardiovascular issues are preventable. That means you may be able to turn your heart health around, even if you have a family history of heart disease.<\/p>\n

While heart disease is often thought of as a \u201cman\u2019s disease,\u201d it\u2019s the No.1 killer of women, too. That\u2019s why this February an Easy Spirit campaign<\/a> is seeking to raise women\u2019s heart health awareness, while encouraging women to move more for healthy hearts.<\/p>\n

Regular movement is crucial to heart health, but there\u2019s so much more to it than that. Cardiologists stress the importance of taking a 360-degree approach to heart health, looking at everything from what you eat and drink to how often you interact with friends.<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Aeshita Dwivedi, M.D<\/a>., a cardiologist at Northwell\u2019s Lenox Hill Hospital; Corey Bradley, M.D.<\/a>, a preventive cardiologist and lipid specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian\/Columbia University Irving Medical Center; Howard Levitt, M.D.,<\/a>cardiologist at RWJ Barnabas Health; Tracy Patel, M.D.<\/a>, cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, these are the biggest heart health tips cardiologists share with patients\u2014and that they want you to keep in mind, too.<\/p>\n

A heart-healthy diet exists.<\/p>\n

Healthy eating is important for heart health because it impacts everything from your blood pressure and risk for type 2 diabetes to your risk of heart attacks and stroke, says Aeshita Dwivedi, M.D<\/a>., a cardiologist at Northwell\u2019s Lenox Hill Hospital.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s one diet that keeps coming up with cardiologists: the Mediterranean diet. That includes having a \u201csizable\u201d amount of fruits and vegetables, and limiting red meat, Dr. Dwivedi says. \u201cFish and lean parts of chicken are considered healthier,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should try to limit saturated fat, excess sodium, added sugars, and tropical oils\u2014palm and coconut,\u201d says Corey Bradley, M.D.<\/a>, a preventive cardiologist and lipid specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian\/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Bradley stresses that you don\u2019t need to be a perfect eater\u2014just do your best. \u201cIf you are eating like this the majority of the time, your heart will benefit from it,\u201d Dr. Bradley says.<\/p>\n

Being social is more important than you\u2019d think.<\/p>\n

The medical community is increasingly viewing social connection as an important part of health, including heart health. \u201cStrong social connections are linked to lower stress levels, healthier habits, and better long-term heart outcomes,\u201d says Howard Levitt, M.D.,<\/a> a cardiologist at RWJ Barnabas Health.<\/p>\n

On the opposite end, loneliness has been linked with higher rates of heart disease, including heart failure, especially in older adults and women, he says \u201cSpending time with family and friends supports both emotional well-being and heart health,\u201d Dr. Levitt says.<\/p>\n

Regular movement is key.<\/p>\n

The American Heart Association<\/a> (AHA) recommends aiming for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise. \u201cEveryone is different in their preferences, time, and ability,\u201d says Tracy Patel, M.D.<\/a>, a cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare. \u201cIt is about embedding regular activity into our daily lives that will lead to sustained health.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mixing cardio sessions with weight training is a great choice, Dr. Dwivedi says, but if that is too much of a commitment, even walking daily can help. Looking to take an easy step toward heart health? Easy Spirit<\/a>\u2019s limited edition #MoveforHeart collection<\/a> features two cushioned walking shoes<\/a> that will donates part of its proceeds to Mount Sinai\u2019s Heart Hospital.<\/p>\n

Dr. Levitt stresses this: \u201cThe best exercises are the ones you enjoy and can integrate into your daily routine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stress can do a number on your heart. <\/p>\n

Being chronically frazzled can raise your blood pressure and also spark unhealthy coping habits that damage your heart, Dr. Levitt says. \u201cI encourage patients to build simple stress-relief practices into their day, whether that\u2019s walking, deep breathing, mindfulness, or setting better boundaries around work,\u201d he says. \u201cEven a few minutes designated to these practices can make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Dwivedi suggests focusing on \u201cany activity that you enjoy\u201d to help lower your stress levels. \u201cFind what de-stresses you and make time for it on a regular basis,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Know what is\u2014and isn\u2019t\u2014normal for your blood pressure. <\/p>\n

Most people with high blood pressure don\u2019t have any symptoms, Dr. Dwivedi says. But that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not doing damage. \u201cWhen you have sustained levels of high blood pressure, it can impact your vital organs\u2014heart, kidney, and brain,\u201d she says. \u201cIt can also increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes.\u201d That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to know your blood pressure and to work closely with a healthcare provider when it\u2019s high.<\/p>\n

Normal blood pressure is considered less than 120 mm Hg\/less than 80 mm Hg, per the AHA<\/a>. While 120-129 mm Hg\/less than 80 mm Hg is considered elevated, you\u2019re considered to have high blood pressure if your reading is 130 mm Hg\/80 mm Hg or higher.<\/p>\n

If you have high blood pressure, it\u2019s important to work closely with your doctor to manage it, according to Cheng-Han Chen, M.D.,<\/a>interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. That usually includes having a home blood pressure cuff and taking regular measurements to let you and your doctor know if your treatment plan is working, he says.<\/p>\n

Wine isn\u2019t heart-healthy.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s been a lot of mixed information about the impact of alcohol on the heart, leading some people to drink wine regularly to support heart health. But Dr. Patel says that alcohol is \u201ctricky\u201d when it comes to heart health.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is often beneficial when we talk about being social and de-stressing,\u201d she says. \u201cHowever, it increases inflammation, and affects our sleep and mood.\u201d That\u2019s why she recommends using alcohol in moderation. \u201cEvery person must acknowledge the affect it has on them,\u201d she says. \u201cSome people just should avoid it completely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course, if you have concerns about your heart health or are having symptoms of heart disease, it\u2019s crucial to talk to healthcare provider. They can give you a thorough evaluation and recommend next steps from there.<\/p>\n

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