Heart of the Matter – Volume 2 Issue 1 2025

7 New Year’s Resolutions To Improve Your Heart Health 

A Message from Cleveland Clinic

Common New Year’s resolutions often come down to boosting heart health,” says interventional cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD.  Tips for improving your heart health:

1. Get a physical

Getting a physical is important for everyone.  During a physical, they’ll track important data related to your heart, like your: Blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels & heart rate. They’ll also ask about your health habits that play a major role in heart health.

2. Move more.  “Exercise lowers your cholesterol & your blood pressure, is great for your mental health & has a dramatic impact on your likelihood of developing diabetes. Maybe exercising means you get off the elevator one floor before your destination & walk up that extra flight of stairs. Maybe it means parking farther away from the entrance to your office & walking a little bit extra. These little things make a very big difference.”

3. Follow a heart-healthy diet.  What you eat plays an enormous role in your risk of heart disease.  Look into the elements of a heart-healthy diet, & figure out where you need to make changes. Whether you resolve to go fully vegetarian in the new year, to start incorporating more plant-based foods or to finally tackle your sweet tooth, dietary changes can go a long way toward improving your heart health. 

4. Reduce stress.  “Stress is a really potent risk factor for heart disease.” Stress produces the hormone in your body that causes your blood pressure & heart rate to skyrocket, which can lead to heart attack & stroke.  Do things that help you relax. Try meditation, talking with friends, getting outside for a walk or reading a book.  There are lots of websites & apps that can help you keep calm by embracing practices like meditation, reflection & breathwork.

5. Get more sleep.  “Consistently getting less sleep can increase blood pressure & cause inflammation.  Not getting enough sleep can also contribute to hypertension, atrial fibrillation & heart failure. Cut back on caffeine in the afternoons & evenings, put your phone away at least an hour before bedtime & sleep in a cool, dark room.

6. Stop smoking. “Smoking is one of the worst things you can do, not just for your heart but also for your overall health, including your lungs & brain.”  Quitting can significantly lower your blood pressure & heart rate and do wonders for your overall health & quality of life.

7. Cut back on alcohol.  Alcohol can speed up your heart rate, raise your blood pressure & cause an irregular heartbeat.  Drinking a lot of alcohol can also raise your triglycerides, which increases your risk for diabetes & pancreatitis, & in women increases your risk for stroke.”  Drinking less may even help you lose weight by reducing amount of the empty calories you consume.

8.     Try to achieve and maintain a healthy weight