45 things heart doctors do to protect their own hearts

“Good oral hygiene can lead to less systemic inflammation in the short term. While more research is needed to determine whether this decreases heart attacks or strokes – the link has been debated for decades – having a healthy mouth is important to overall wellness.” – Dr Julie Clary, cardiologist

Follow these 6 tips for pearly white teeth. 

“In 2015, we did a study that found that lowering systolic blood pressure (the top number) to 120 mm Hg reduced rates of death due to cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke and heart attack by 25 percent. It’s important to keep it in check by eating a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.” – Dr Cora E. Lewis, epidemiologist and professor

Here are 31 things you can do right now to avoid high blood pressure. 

“Higher hormone levels in women, particularly oestrogen, can affect how blood vessels stretch and contract, which can make them more vulnerable to arterial tears and blood clots. The risk of heart problems is slightly higher for women who are on hormonal birth control, undergoing hormone replacement therapy, or pregnant. Ask your doctor about alternate methods of birth control or hormone therapy. Another way to keep oestrogen levels within the heart-healthy range is to maintain a healthy weight.” – Dr Nicole Weinberg

“There has been a lot of research recently into how different oils affect our heart health, and it goes far beyond olive oil. I avoid products with palm oil and look instead for those with canola oil. Coconut, avocado and almond oils are also good choices.” – Dr Jonathan Elion, FACC, cardiologist and associate professor of medicine

“In adults with diabetes, the most common causes of death are heart disease and stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health. I avoid junk food, particularly soda, and other foods that lead to high blood sugar and insulin resistance, the precursors to diabetes.” – Dr Richard Wright

Learn what’s new and what’s next in the treatment of diabetes. 

“According to a Harvard University analysis, there is strong evidence for association between the consumption of processed red meats, such as sausage, hot dogs and lunch meat, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and early death.” – Dr Michael Fenster, interventional cardiologist, chef, and author of The Fallacy of the Calorie: Why the Modern Western Diet Is Killing Us and How to Stop It

“About ten years ago, I found myself 18 kilograms overweight. I also had not been to a doctor for many years at that time. I made an appointment to see my doctor but not until I went on a diet, joined a gym and over a year lost the 18 kilos.” A 2016 study found that being overweight could take one to three years off your life, while being obese may take as many as eight – and the effect is three times worse for men than for women. – Dr Mark Greenberg, medical director of interventional cardiology at Montefiore Health System

Add these 37 fat-burning foods to your diet to help you lose weight. 

“Many people buy vitamin and mineral supplements when their money could be better spent purchasing high-quality foods. We recently conducted a study that found that taking calcium in the form of supplements may raise the risk of plaque build-up in arteries and heart damage. But the good news is that a diet high in calcium-rich foods may be protective.” – Dr Erin Michos, MHS, associate director of preventive cardiology

“Sleep apnoea, one of the most common sleep disorders, causes you to take long pauses in breathing during sleep. This can starve your organs of oxygen and wreak havoc on your heart health, potentially causing heart attacks, arrhythmias, heart failure, strokes and high blood pressure.” – Dr Adam Splaver

Learn the 9 silent signs of sleep apnoea you’re ignoring. 

“Last year, our cardiology group started an Ornish Reversal Intensive Cardiac Rehab, a specialised program developed for cardiac patients to help prevent future problems. The outcomes for our patients have been dramatic. So we doctors decided to ‘walk the walk’ and follow the program ourselves. One part of the program is eating a vegetarian diet for three months. I was surprised at how much better I felt. I explored exciting and delicious new foods and felt less bloated and tired after meals.” – Dr Joseph A. Craft III, FACC, cardiologist