How can I maintain good heart health?

From the Guidelines

To maintain good heart health, it is essential to focus on a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical care, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The key elements of a heart-healthy lifestyle include:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish, as suggested by the DASH diet inspired by the Mediterranean diet 1
• Limiting sodium to less than 2,300mg daily, reducing processed foods, and minimizing saturated and trans fats, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, as advised by the AHA/ACC guidelines 1
• Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco products completely, as emphasized by the American Heart Association 1
• Limiting alcohol to no more than one drink daily for women and two for men, as suggested by the dietary guidelines 1
• Managing stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, and getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly, as recommended for overall well-being
• Having regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure (aim for below 120/80 mmHg), cholesterol levels (LDL below 100 mg/dL), and blood sugar, as advised by the American Heart Association 1
• If prescribed medications for conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol, taking them consistently as directed, as emphasized by the AHA/ACC guidelines 1

By following these practices, individuals can help prevent atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), reduce inflammation, maintain healthy blood pressure, and strengthen their cardiovascular system, significantly lowering their risk of heart disease, as supported by the most recent study 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Atorvastatin calcium tablets can lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart surgery, and chest pain in patients who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as: age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL-C, heart disease in the family Atorvastatin calcium tablets can lower the risk for heart attack or stroke in patients with diabetes and risk factors such as: eye problems, kidney problems, smoking, or high blood pressure. To maintain good heart health, consider the following:

• Lowering cholesterol levels: Atorvastatin calcium tablets can help lower LDL-C ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood, while raising HDL-C ("good" cholesterol).
• Managing risk factors: Controlling risk factors such as age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL-C, and heart disease in the family can help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Staying on a low-fat diet and exercising regularly can help improve overall heart health.
• Monitoring and managing diabetes: For patients with diabetes, managing the condition and controlling risk factors such as eye problems, kidney problems, smoking, and high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. 2 2

From the Research

Maintaining Good Heart Health

To maintain good heart health, several factors come into play, including lifestyle modifications and medical interventions. The key is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death globally 3.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, adequate sleep, and smoking cessation are crucial in preventing CVD 3. These behaviors can influence traditional CVD risk factors and improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a less commonly measured risk factor.
• Dietary Changes: Eating fewer high-fat and high-cholesterol foods and increasing physical activity are recommended strategies to reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke 4. Consuming more fruits and vegetables is advised, with the goal of meeting the recommended 5 servings per day 5.
• Physical Activity: Being physically active is vital, with recommendations to engage in regular physical activity to meet recommended levels 5. However, simply being told to be more active may not be enough to change behavior, highlighting the need for more effective patient education techniques.
• Medical Interventions: For individuals with existing heart disease, certain medications like low-dose aspirin may be recommended as a secondary preventive measure 4. Additionally, fibrates may be beneficial for patients with low HDL-C levels who do not respond well to statins, either as monotherapy or in combination with statins 6.
• Patient Education and Support: Supporting self-care practices through tailored and relevant information can provide patients with the resources and advice needed to manage their condition effectively 7. This includes understanding the disease, recognizing symptoms, and adhering to treatment plans such as fluid restriction, low sodium diet, and daily weighing routines.

Importance of Clinician Role

Clinicians play a significant role in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent CVD 3. They should counsel patients about healthy diets and regular physical activity as part of preventive health examinations 4. Furthermore, clinicians can support patients in managing chronic heart failure by providing evidence-based information and resources to enhance self-care practices 7.