45 things heart doctors do to protect their own hearts

“I have never smoked, eat a balanced diet, and exercise as best I can because I know these are relevant to my individual risk of heart disease. But every individual is unique with differing exposures to heart disease and stroke risk factors so it’s important to get assessed so you can know what your personal risks are and take appropriate steps to manage them.” – Dr Allan T. Hirsch, professor of medicine

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“Recently I realised I had been indoors too long so I ‘prescribed’ myself a hike! This nature hack relieves stress and allows me to get vitamin D from the sunshine – both of which have been shown in studies to lower your risk of heart disease.” – Dr Monya De, MPH, internal medicine doctor

Here are 10 habits of people who never get stressed. 

“To protect my heart as well as prevent diabetes and prevent some cancers, I avoid addictive carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, high fructose corn syrup and bread. Instead, I eat plenty of fruit and lean protein and make sure I substitute quinoa and vegetables for processed carbs that are heavy in calories and activate the addictive part of the brain.” – Dr Bruce Roseman, family physician and author of The Addictocarb Diet

“Recent studies indicate that Vitamin K2 is critical to heart health. It works by shuttling calcium into your bones instead of letting the calcium clog your arteries. There are also studies which indicate that Vitamin K2 can reverse coronary calcification, the disease that causes blockage of your arteries.” – Dr Adam Splaver

“Vigorous aerobic exercise is the key to heart health. Weight lifting is also good, but frequent, intense, prolonged cardiovascular exercise reduces blood pressure, increases good cholesterol (HDL), reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and also stabilises blood sugar. I try to do a 45-minute session nearly every day in which I burn about 750 calories. If you’re not conditioned you have to work up to that level but everyone can always do a little more than what they’ve done.” – Dr Paul B. Langevin, director of cardiothoracic anaesthesia and cardiac critical care

“Since the heart is a muscle it needs daily lean proteins. Contrary to past heart-health advice, low-fat foods shouldn’t be the focus of one’s diet; it’s better to consume meats and foods with nutrients that will protect the heart. I eat plenty of grass-fed meat and wild-caught fish along with heart-healthy olive oil, nuts and vegetables. And I make sure to avoid meat and foods that contain antibiotics or hormones.” – Dr Al Sears, a cardiologist and author of 15 books on health and wellness

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“Certain kinds of probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis, both of which are commonly found in over-the-counter probiotic formulations, have been shown to significantly decrease bad cholesterol and decrease inflammatory markers that may lead to heart disease. Although these results are promising, more studies are needed, but in the meantime taking probiotics may also help with other health concerns like gastrointestinal discomfort.” – Dr Nicole Van Groningen

“I actively monitor my drinking and I tend to drink a small amount regularly which is better than drinking large volumes on a single occasion. Moderate drinking of one to two servings a day [one drink for women, two for men] can offer protection from heart disease. But that does not mean you should start now – if you do not drink at all, keep it that way. If you find yourself drinking more than one or two drinks in a single occasion, it can increase your risk of a stroke.” – Dr Samuel Malloy

Here are 34 things your parents’ health reveals about you. 

“I love dark chocolate! Not only is it delicious, but it is a source of polyphenols, which may improve artery elasticity and help lower blood pressure. When looking for the perfect dark chocolate, keep an eye out for at least 75 percent cocoa and then savour 30-60grams worth.” – Dr Cynthia Geyer, heart specialist

“The science shows that a diet without cholesterol does not necessarily lower a person’s cholesterol. In fact, when the cholesterol in a food is high, it is often acting as an antioxidant. Eggs are a great food, full of satiating protein and essential fats.” – Dr Carolyn Dean, ND, author of Atrial Fibrillation: Remineralise Your Heart