I recently had the privilege of chatting with Dr. Anu Lala, a Heart Function Cardiologist, about something that impacts us all—heart health. While heart disease can be genetic, the good news is that 80% of it is preventable! Dr. Lala highlighted the importance of “knowing your numbers”—your resting heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. So, why wait? In honor of Heart Health Month, here are a few simple steps you can start taking today to take charge of your heart health!
Essential Tips for a Healthy Heart
- Get 150 Minutes of Cardio Per Week: It is ideal to get in 30 min of cardio each day for 5 days a week. Tip: Get an accountability buddy and motivate each other to keep it up.
- Calculate Your Ideal Cardio Heart Rate: Take 220 minus your age and multiply that number by 80%. Try to stay as close to this heart rate when doing your daily cardio.
- Get Your Daily Steps In: Strive to at least 7000 steps up to the ideal 10000 steps a day. Fun Fact: For every 1000 steps it reduces your risk of heart attack by 10%.
- Know your Heart Rate Variability – Know how much your HR goes up with exercise and down with rest. It should settle down with rest within 1-2 minutes after a workout.
- Eat a Heart Conscious Diet: Prioritize a plant forward diet rich in legumes and fish.
By taking small, proactive steps now, you can set yourself up for a healthier heart and a brighter future—because when it comes to heart health, it’s never too early to start
Happy Heart Health Month!
