Cardiologists aren’t just helping their patients lead healthier lives; they’re following their own advice every day.
Focusing on things like diet, exercise and reducing stress can make a big difference for your heart and vascular health. But when it comes to making changes in your lifestyle, it can be tough to know where or how to get started.
Several of our specialists share their own best heart-healthy habits that you can try. They may help you find the inspiration and motivation you need.
I start small to build good habits.
“I focus on small, sustainable habits. I often swap bread for lettuce wraps to cut down on carbs, and I start most mornings with a brisk, inclined walk to get my heart rate up early in the day. To manage stress, I use aromatherapy with calming scents, which helps me unwind at the end of a long day.”
— Salaheldin Abusin, MD, cardiologist
I run almost daily.
“Running is my passion. I started running in medical school, and when I had my children, I incorporated them into my running routines — whether that was running with a jogging stroller or exercising with them. I always make time to run and exercise, because our hearts are a very important part of our bodies. And the more we take care of our bodies, the more efficient we will be.”
— Melissa Tracy, MD, cardiologist
I remove processed foods from my diet.
“Keeping your heart healthy is about eating a diet that is low in saturated fat and processed foods. I have been advocating for my patients to adopt a similar diet plan. I try to stay as close to a diet consisting of mainly fruits, vegetables, grains and unprocessed foods with a small amount of animal products that are difficult to avoid, such as egg whites, fish and lean meat.”
— Steve Attanasio, DO, interventional cardiologist
I go on foot.
“I try to take the stairs as much as possible instead of the elevator and walk to places instead of drive.”
— Arjun Mehta, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist
I don't eat meat.
“I became a vegetarian several years ago, and it has made a noticeable difference. I feel healthier and more energetic. I occasionally have sushi and don’t feel guilty about it. Dessert makes me feel happy, so I don’t deprive myself. But I just don’t overindulge.”
— P. Raghu Reddy, MD, interventional cardiologist
I do aerobic exercises.
“I try to get in the recommended 150 minutes or more of aerobic exercises each week, typically working out on an exercise bicycle, walking on a treadmill or taking a brisk outdoor walk. I also eat a vegetarian diet and limit my stress level by listening to my favorite jazz music every chance I get.”
— Quinn Capers, IV, MD, interventional cardiologist
I eat a healthy diet.
“My diet mainly consists of pulses — chickpeas, lentils, beans and other edible seeds in the legume family — whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and occasionally grilled chicken and fish. I try my best to avoid processed food and keep my portion sizes limited.”
— Gaurav K. Sharma, MD, interventional cardiologist
I drink lots of water.
“Keeping our bodies hydrated helps our hearts pump blood more easily and allows oxygen to reach our muscles, which helps our muscles work efficiently. So, I drink a ton of water — usually around three to four liters a day.”
— Tochi Okwuosa, DO, cardio-oncologist
I choose to be realistic instead of perfect.
“I build physical activity into my day by taking multiple short walks between patients and meetings — those 10- to 15-minute walks add up meaningfully. I also pack my own lunch most days, so I’m not relying on ultra-processed options on the go, which helps keep my diet centered around lean proteins, vegetables and whole foods. Small, consistent choices like these are often more realistic than chasing perfection, and they pay off over time for cardiovascular health.”
— Omar Obaid, DO, cardiologist
