Beyond Diet: 3 Unexpected Ways to Boost Your Heart Health

You already know that the foods and beverages you choose each day can have a direct impact on your heart health. But there are many other steps you can take to stay heart-healthy and avoid adverse outcomes, including early death. 

The team at Heart Care enjoys providing up-to-date, evidence-based information to help you take control of your heart health. While we love meeting with patients in our Frisco, Texas, office, we also take great pride in empowering you to take action at home. 

Let’s look at some heart health tips that don’t involve nutrition. 

1: Stay active every day

When many people hear advice concerning staying active, they immediately assume they have to jump into an extreme exercise program to see real results. But you really don’t need to completely overhaul your lifestyle to improve your heart health. 

If you are living a sedentary lifestyle, any increase in physical activity is worthwhile. It can be as simple as a short daily walk or a 15-minute online yoga video. Simply getting moving is the best place to begin, and can help motivate you to push forward toward new exercise goals. 

Most people can benefit from adding a bit more physical activity to their days. This is especially true if your job or hobbies require you to sit for much of the day. Look for ways to move more during the day, whether that’s a walk through the neighborhood, resistance band training, or signing up for an exercise app or online video series. 

2: Manage stress effectively

Stress is part of the human condition, and it actually serves you well when your fight-or-flight condition kicks in to warn you of danger. But many people live with chronic stress, a condition that allows anxiety to permeate every day. 

If you find yourself navigating a period of intense stress, or if anxiety has gradually taken over your life, look for ways to manage stress better. Working with a therapist can be highly beneficial, even if it’s only for a short period. 

You can also try new techniques on your own. Some people find yoga or tai chi to be very calming. If you’re curious about meditation, numerous online resources can help you get started. When you begin a new approach, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to adapt and see the benefits. 

3: Take action to prevent infections

You might not associate infections with heart health, but many types of infections can cause or complicate cardiovascular issues. Illness takes a toll on your body, and if you’re already living with heart disease or other chronic health conditions, the added burden of fighting off an infection can be overwhelming. 

Schedule your annual flu shots for the onset of flu season. Ask us if the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you. While you’re here, request a review of your overall vaccination record to identify any potential gaps. As you move through middle age and beyond, the shingles vaccine might be a good option. 

You can also reduce your risk of contracting an infectious disease by embracing frequent handwashing. Avoid touching shared surfaces whenever possible, and consider avoiding crowded settings if you have a compromised immune system.

Here’s hoping for a heart-healthy 2026!

We love working with patients in our office, but we also hope that you won’t need our diagnostic and treatment services in 2026. If you’d like to learn more about preventive cardiology, please schedule a visit using our easy online booking tool. 

You can also call us at 469-910-5558 to review appointment availability. The friendly administrative staff at Heart Care in Frisco, Texas, is happy to discuss booking options with you.