5 heart-healthy habits surgeon says can reduce heart attack risk
Heart surgeon explains what matters most for cardiovascular health
Heart surgeon shared five lifestyle habits that may help reduce the risk of heart attacks, stressing that heart health depends on multiple factors rather than a single fix.
Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified heart surgeon, said avoiding smoking and vaping, monitoring blood pressure, tracking cholesterol markers, keeping blood sugar stable and maintaining strong social connections can all support cardiovascular health.
Five habits to lower heart attack risk
According to Dr London, people should avoid all forms of smoking, including cigarettes, vaping and marijuana. He also advised regularly checking blood pressure at home, noting that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels over time.
The surgeon recommended knowing key cholesterol markers, including ApoB and lipoprotein(a), as elevated levels are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
He also encouraged reducing added sugar intake to help prevent insulin resistance and keep blood glucose levels stable.
Finally, Dr London highlighted the importance of staying socially connected, saying loneliness is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
While these measures can improve heart health, they do not eliminate the risk of heart attack. People with existing medical conditions should continue following their healthcare provider's advice and prescribed treatment.
