Cardiologist touts diet, exercise to combat heart disease

Prevea Health interventional cardiologist Dr. Simil Gala is pushing the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise and implementing lifestyle changes to help prevent heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It’s estimated that every four deaths are from heart disease and stroke, contributing to conditions which are among the leading causes of disabilities in the country. Gala frequently shares the following diet, exercise disciplines and lifestyle choices to help combat and prevent the disease: • Exercise: Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is beneficial for heart health. Aerobic exercise (walking, running, biking and swimming) increases your heart rate and breathing and in turn enhances the efficiency of your heart and lungs. • Eat heart healthy food: Eating a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can help maintain a healthy heart. Try to limit unhealthy fat, excess sodium and cholesterol. Heart healthy fats to consider eating include avocados, walnuts, olive oil, dark chocolate, eggs, salmon and tuna. Avoid unhealthy trans and saturated fats like bacon, whole milk, fried and highly processed foods. • Quit smoking: Tobacco use is harmful to your health in multiple ways, including increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Quitting smoking and tobacco use has immediate and long-term benefits for cardiovascular health. • Eliminate stress: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Managing your stress with activities such as exercise and relaxation techniques can help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote overall well-being. Yearly physical exams with a primary care physician or provider can also help in the early detection of and management of heart disease. For individuals with high risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease, a visit with a physician or provider can also help assess an individual’s situation and potentially lead to a referral with a cardiovascular specialist if necessary.