Preventive Cardiology

When was the last time you thought about your heart health? As with breathing, your heartbeat is regulated by your body’s nervous system and happens without conscious effort. It can be easy to forget that such an effortless function still requires our care and attention. That’s where preventive heart health comes into play.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Yet, the vast majority of heart-related conditions are preventable, and many are even reversible. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle—including eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing stress—can significantly enhance cardiovascular health and help keep potential issues at bay.

Know Your Numbers

Routine health screenings are a crucial part of heart disease prevention. By understanding your key health metrics, you can identify early warning signs, enabling you and your provider to implement clinical and lifestyle interventions.

• Blood Pressure: Monitoring your blood pressure is one of the simplest yet most impactful actions you can take for heart health. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often symptomless, earning it the moniker “silent killer.” Regular screenings allow for early detection, and your doctor can advise on the frequency of checks and whether lifestyle changes or medications are necessary.

• Cholesterol Levels: A cholesterol test, often referred to as a fasting lipid panel, measures total cholesterol and the two primary subtypes: LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”), as well as triglycerides, or fats in the blood. Your primary care doctor or cardiologist will use these results to evaluate your cardiovascular risk and suggest strategies for managing cholesterol, if necessary. The American Heart Association recommends that adults aged 20 and older undergo cholesterol testing at regular intervals.

• Blood Glucose, Glycated Hemoglobin, or Glycohemoglobin: If your weight is considered unhealthy or you have additional risk factors for heart disease, a blood glucose test or hemoglobin A1C test may be recommended. These tests can identify early signs of type 2 diabetes, a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Heart-Healthy Habits

Just as we brush our teeth daily to prevent cavities or exercise to maintain fitness, adopting small, consistent habits can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. The beauty of preventive heart health lies in its simplicity. Making a few mindful changes to your lifestyle can yield substantial long-term benefits.

Here are some habits to incorporate into your daily routine:

1. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: A heart-healthy diet emphasizes whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fish). Limiting your intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars can help protect your heart and maintain optimal cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

2. Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, lowers blood pressure, and promotes good circulation—all of which benefit your cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, each week while also incorporating muscle-strengthening exercises.

3. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption: Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. Quitting can dramatically improve heart health and reduce the risk of a variety of related conditions. We also recommend limiting your alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can elevate blood pressure and contribute to other cardiovascular diseases.

4. Manage Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to increased heart rate, muscle tension, and elevated levels of cortisol. While this response can be helpful in short bursts, prolonged stress can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances.

Cardiology at The Health Center at Hudson Yards

As a member of The Health Center, you have access to our expert cardiology team, with appointments available within just a few days. Our specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of cardiovascular conditions and offer diagnostic services like ECG / EKG and echocardiograms. Members can self-schedule an appointment with our cardiology team directly through Health Center powered by Mount Sinai portal.