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.