Authored by Richard Soucier, MD, FACC
Cardiologist, The Heart Group at Day Kimball Health

As a cardiologist at Day Kimball Health, I see firsthand how heart disease affects people from all walks of life. It remains the leading cause of death in the United States, yet so much of it is preventable. Heart Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to take a step back and think about what we can all do to protect our hearts and live longer, healthier lives.

Know Your Numbers

One of the most important steps you can take is to know your numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key health markers. High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” can go unnoticed for years, doing serious damage before symptoms appear. The same goes for high cholesterol, which can lead to blocked arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks. At your next check-up, ask your doctor about your numbers and what they mean for your heart health. Managing these risk factors early can prevent problems down the road.

Improving heart health doesn’t require drastic changes—small, consistent efforts make a big difference. A few key habits can significantly lower your risk of heart disease:

• Stay active: Aim for at least two hours of moderate exercise per week. Something as simple as walking daily can improve circulation and strengthen your heart.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing processed foods and excessive sugar helps keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check.
• Quit smoking: This is one of the single best things you can do for your heart. Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
• Manage stress and sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart problems. Finding ways to relax—whether through meditation, exercise, or simply taking time for yourself—can go a long way.
• Maintain Good Oral Health: Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, which increases inflammation in the body and raises the risk of heart disease. Brush and floss daily, schedule regular dental check-ups, and watch for signs of gum disease like bleeding or swollen gums. 

 Clearing Up Common Myths

There are a lot of misconceptions about heart health, and I often find myself debunking the same myths.

• Heart disease isn’t just for older people. The process of developing heart disease starts much earlier than most people realize. Preventative care should start in your 30s or even sooner if you have risk factors.
• Supplements aren’t a substitute for medical care. There’s little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of many over-the-counter supplements for heart health. It’s always best to stick with proven medical treatments.
• An aspirin a day isn’t for everyone. While aspirin therapy can help some people, it’s not a blanket recommendation anymore. The risks can outweigh the benefits for those without a history of heart disease.

The way we diagnose and treat heart disease has improved dramatically over the past few decades. Surviving a heart attack today is far more likely than it was 20 years ago, and conditions like heart failure can now be managed much more effectively.

At Day Kimball Health, we’re bringing the latest advancements in cardiology to our community. From new medications to minimally invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), we’re making it easier for patients to receive high-quality heart care close to home.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health

The best advice I can give is that it’s never too early—or too late—to make heart-healthy changes. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t exercise, start moving. If you don’t know your numbers, make an appointment with your doctor. These simple steps can go a long way in protecting your heart and improving your quality of life.

This Heart Health Month, take control of your health. Your heart—and your future—will thank you.