Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. To address this, Fawad Virk, MD, FACC, a board-certified cardiologist at Phelps Health, has outlined several strategies that can help individuals reduce their risk.
“Doing aerobic exercise most days of the week for 30 to 60 minutes will help keep your heart working as efficiently as possible,” said Dr. Virk. He also emphasized the importance of diet: “Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and nuts also are good foods to include in your diet. Limit or avoid red meat, processed foods and excessive salt. Many doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet as a heart healthy diet.”
Monitoring blood pressure is another key step. “Check your blood pressure regularly and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions,” Dr. Virk advised.
Sleep quality also plays a significant role in heart health. “Good, quality sleep is essential for health. Your heart is significantly impacted when your body does not get enough sleep. Most people need six to eight hours of sleep each night. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you snore or have daytime sleepiness or fatigue because these may be signs you have a sleep apnea disorder,” he said.
Finally, Dr. Virk addressed tobacco use: “If you smoke or chew tobacco, your risk of having heart problems is higher. Contact your healthcare provider if you want to quit. Set a date and make a commitment.”
Phelps Health Heart and Vascular Center provides advanced care using modern technology with the goal of achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.
