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Top 7 Habits for a Healthy Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Prevention

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Top 7 Habits for a Healthy Heart

Top 7 Habits for a Healthy Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Prevention

Your heart is one of the hardest-working organs in your body—beating over 2.5 billion times in a lifetime. Keeping it healthy isn’t just about avoiding heart disease; it’s about living a longer, stronger, and more energetic life.

Dr. Nitin Agrawal, Director & Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Apex Hospital, Moradabad, shares his expert insights on the 7 essential habits that can help you build a healthy heart and prevent future cardiac problems.

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

A balanced diet is the foundation of heart wellness.

  • Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and legumes
  • Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and avocados

Limit intake of salt, processed food, sugary beverages, and red meat. A Mediterranean-style diet is scientifically proven to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect heart function.

2. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise strengthens your heart muscle, improves circulation, and keeps blood pressure under control.

  • 30 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking or cycling) at least 5 days a week
  • Include stretching and strength training twice weekly

Even small activities—like taking stairs instead of lifts—can make a big difference.

3. Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent killer that often goes unnoticed.

  • Get your BP checked regularly
  • Maintain it below 120/80 mmHg
  • Reduce salt intake and manage stress

For patients with fluctuating readings, Dr. Agrawal often suggests an ABPM Test (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring) to track real-time BP changes and ensure accurate diagnosis.

4. Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, leading to high BP, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits. Adopt stress-relieving techniques such as:

  • Yoga and meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Spending time in nature or pursuing hobbies

A calm mind contributes to a healthier heart.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight increases the risk of high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which contribute to heart disease.

  • Aim for a BMI between 18.5–24.9
  • Focus on sustainable weight loss through portion control and regular activity
  • Avoid fad diets and quick-fix solutions

6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking damages the arteries and reduces oxygen in the blood, while excessive alcohol can weaken the heart muscle.

  • Quit smoking completely—no amount is safe
  • Limit alcohol to 1 drink/day for women and 2 for men

Dr. Agrawal emphasizes that quitting these habits significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke within months.

7. Go for Regular Heart Check-Ups

Many cardiac conditions develop silently and can only be detected through timely screening. Dr. Nitin Agrawal recommends periodic tests such as:

  • ECG & Echocardiography
  • TMT (Treadmill Test)
  • Holter Monitoring
  • Lipid Profile & Blood Sugar Tests

Regular follow-ups help in early detection and prevention of major cardiac events.

About Dr. Nitin Agrawal

Dr. Nitin Agrawal is a Gold Medalist Cardiologist from King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, and currently serves as Director & Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Apex Hospital, Moradabad. With over 15 years of experience and more than 10,000 successful cardiac interventions, he is known for his precision, compassion, and dedication to preventive heart care.

Location: Apex Hospital, Delhi Road, Moradabad – 244001

Call: +91-9259527841

Emergency 24 x7 at Apex Hospital Moradabad