How to Be Proactive About Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but many risk factors are preventable. Dr. Armaan Shaikh, an interventional cardiologist at Aurora BayCare Cardiology, recently joined FOX 11 Field House to share how individuals can take charge of their heart health before symptoms appear.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Heart
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is essential—alongside living a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Shaikh recommends focusing on the following areas:
Diet
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Reduce processed foods and added sugars
- Follow a Mediterranean-style diet, ideally leaning toward a vegetarian approach
️ Exercise
- Aim for 30 minutes of walking, covering one mile, five days a week
- Substitute with equivalent activities like biking, swimming, or any enjoyable movement
Lifestyle Habits
- Limit alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress
- Get adequate sleep
Know the Signs and Take Action
Regular checkups are essential—even without symptoms. Talk to your primary care provider about your risk factors. Those at higher risk may benefit from advanced screenings like calcium scoring.
Common symptoms of heart problems include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. If you’re experiencing any of these or have risk factors, don’t wait—talk to your doctor.
Watch the full segment here.