American Heart Month: 3 Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for American women and men, but there are things you can do to support your heart and reduce your personal risk of heart-related ailments. The key is knowing which changes to make and being consistent.

Our leading cardiology practice, Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, is dedicated not only to managing heart-related health problems, but to preventing them, too. In recognition of American Heart Month, John Terzian, MD, FACC, and our team recommend three simple steps to improve your heart health — both now and for years to come.

1. Prioritize heart-healthy nutrition

Eating for heart health doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require paying attention to what you’re putting on your plate (or in your glass). Focusing on whole foods — fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains — helps your body manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation more effectively. Reducing overly processed foods, foods high in salt, and sugary drinks also supports long-term cardiovascular function (and better overall wellness).

Fortunately, a heart-conscious approach to meals doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy. Instead, it’s about finding a balance and making thoughtful, informed choices that nourish your body while reducing health-related risks. 

Even simple meal adjustments can lead to meaningful improvements. Incorporating more fiber, choosing healthier fats, and managing sodium intake gives your cardiovascular system what it needs to thrive. Over time, these small decisions add up to big benefits, giving your heart the best environment to function at its best.

2. Make physical activity part of your daily routine

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your heart, and best of all, you don’t need to do countless reps or endless high-intensity workouts to experience the benefits. Even simple activities like brisk walking, light jogging, or cycling can help improve your cardiovascular endurance. The key is to find something you enjoy doing so you stick with it over time.

Movement increases circulation, reduces cholesterol, and improves heart function, helping your heart work more efficiently. Plus, regular exercise also decreases stress, another factor that can harm your heart health. 

Ideally, aim for a mix of aerobic activity and strength training for overall wellness benefits, and try to do 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week — that works out to just a half-hour five days a week. You can even break up your routine into 10- or 15-minute intervals to make it easier to hit that goal.

3. Know your numbers

Understanding your personal health metrics gives you a better idea of how well your heart is functioning. Regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and blood glucose helps you catch potential issues early, when they’re most manageable. 

These numbers offer critical insight into your personal risk factors and guide any lifestyle or medical adjustments you may need to support your heart health. Tracking your numbers also makes it easier to measure the impact of your healthy habits, so you can stay motivated and on track. 

Regular checkups play a crucial role in keeping track of these key numbers (and other measurements of heart health, too). And of course, these checkups also allow our team to provide personalized guidance that supports long-term wellness.

Give your heart a little TLC

A healthy heart paves the way for overall wellness, and making just a few simple changes to your routine supports your heart every day. To schedule your cardiovascular checkup and learn more ways to improve your heart health, book an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, today.