Cardiologist Tips for Healthy Heart – Baton Rouge Clinic

February is a month of awareness of heart health!

Today’s era of quick access to information, constant updates on medical progress and health recommendations make overload easier. But when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, has some important and simple tips he would like to share with everyone.

Watch: Mayo Minute Clinic

“An ounce of prevention costs a pound of treatment” is a proverb that the cardiologist of the Mayo clinic Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenes says remains true today.

And prevention, according to him, can start a little by focusing on simple things, such as diet and exercise.

“Trying to eat healthier a little at a time, to move during the day, avoiding sitting too long,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenes.

The positive perspective can also go far in your physical well -being. Enjoy a walk with a friend, for example.

“Trying to find a goal every day and try to give love every day, because these are some of the emotional things we don’t care about (for which) they also affect the heart,” he says.

Finally, he says that if you are prescribed a medicine for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, avoid the risk of heart attack and follow your doctor’s orders.

“Take these medicines, check your numbers, and be sure that all these factors are well controlled,” says Dr. Lopez-Dimnes.

Tips and strategies for a healthy heart diet

• Eat more vegetables and fruits for vitamins, minerals and heart health.
• Choose whole grains for fiber and nutrients.
• Choose healthy fats, such as monos -saturated and polyunsaturated options.
• Choose low fat proteins, including lean meat, poultry, fish and legumes.
• Reduce salt intake to reduce your blood pressure.
• Control sizes of calorie intake portions.
• Plan daily menus, highlighting vegetables, fruits, whole grains, slender proteins and good fats.
• Enjoy casual treats moderately without derailting your healthy eating plan.