Do This Now to Have a Healthy Heart Later

Your heart health decades from now depends heavily on decisions you make today.

Cardiovascular problems like coronary artery disease (CAD) usually develop slowly, giving you years to prevent problems before they require medical intervention. Small changes now can dramatically reduce your chances of needing cardiac interventions later in life.

At Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Inc., in Riverside, California, board-certified cardiologist Syed W. Bokhari, MD, FACC, FSVM, helps patients understand which preventive steps offer the greatest protection for long-term cardiovascular health.

Start with your current risk factors

Understanding your baseline risk helps you focus your prevention efforts effectively. You can’t change every risk factor, but some respond positively to lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.

Know your numbers

Regular monitoring of key cardiovascular markers allows you to catch problems before they cause permanent damage. Dr. Bokhari recommends tracking these measurements:

• Blood pressure readings
• Cholesterol levels 
• Blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C
• Body mass index
• Waist circumference

Ideal numbers vary by age and medical history, but staying within healthy ranges can greatly reduce your risk of a cardiac event.

Family history matters

Genetic factors influence your risk of heart disease regardless of your lifestyle choices. People with family histories of heart attacks or strokes need more aggressive prevention strategies.

Dr. Bokhari uses family history information to determine when you should begin cardiovascular screening and how frequently you need follow-up testing.

Make changes that protect your arteries

Your daily habits over the years either strengthen or weaken your cardiovascular system. The most effective prevention strategies address multiple risk factors simultaneously.

Food choices that improve heart health

What you eat has a direct impact on your heart health over time. These foods help keep your arteries healthy and reduce inflammation:

• Mediterranean-style meals with olive oil and fish
• Vegetables and fruits with natural antioxidants
• Whole grains instead of processed carbohydrates
• Limited red meat and processed foods
• Reduced sodium intake

Dr. Bokhari works with you to develop a balanced dietary plan that’s sustainable and protects your heart.

Exercise that strengthens your heart

Regular physical activity improves your heart’s pumping efficiency and helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Most adults benefit from moderate exercise most days of the week.

Walking, swimming, cycling, and other aerobic activities strengthen your heart muscle. Resistance training helps maintain healthy body composition and supports cardiovascular function.

Habits that damage your cardiovascular system

You should eliminate these behaviors because they accelerate heart disease development:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress (without healthy coping strategies)
• Poor sleep on a regular basis

These factors can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of blood clots that cause heart attacks or strokes.

Prevention requires consistent effort over many years, but the results justify the investment. People who maintain healthy habits throughout middle age often avoid the cardiac procedures and medications that become necessary for others.

Partner with an experienced cardiologist

Heart disease prevention works best when you have professional guidance to develop strategies tailored to your individual risk factors. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bokhari today to create a personalized prevention plan. Call Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Inc. or book an appointment online to protect your cardiovascular health for years to come.