5 Tips for a Heart-Healthy Autumn

The weather’s cooling off. The kids are back in school. We’re in the lull before the busyness of the holidays picks up. And that makes it a great time to take care of yourself. 

That includes taking care of your heart — and we want to help. With over 20 years of experience as a cardiologist, David Bolon, MD, has some suggestions you can put to use. 

He also offers cardiac screenings here at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York City. This gives you a way to evaluate your current heart health and get personalized tips for supporting it. 

Generally speaking, though, we’d all benefit from doing the following this fall:

#1: Enjoying the crisp autumn air

Your heart is an organ, but it’s a muscular one. You can make it stronger with exercise, just like you can strengthen your biceps or calves. 

To do that, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. While the weather is relatively pleasant here in New York City, consider getting your exercise outside. Even a brisk walk through the park counts — and exposure to nature is also linked to improved heart health. 

#2: Eating more produce

October is a particularly bountiful time of year for fresh local fruits and vegetables. Whether you get it at the farmer’s market or the grocery store, stocking up on produce gives your body resources it can use for better cardiovascular health. In fact, the National Institutes of Health lists fruits and vegetables as leading foundations of a heart-healthy diet. 

#3: Not smoking

If you don’t smoke, let this validate your decision.

If you do, start exploring resources to help yourself quit. Smoking significantly increases your risk of heart disease. As an added benefit, kicking that habit now means you won’t have to brave the cold this winter for any smoke breaks. 

#4: Getting enough sleep

There’s a direct link between sleep problems and cardiovascular health issues. Aim to get at least seven hours a night. 

As the daylight hours get shorter, you can take advantage of the excuse to climb into bed a little earlier.  

#5: Getting screened

If you want to be proactive about your heart health, use this fall to have an expert evaluate your current level of cardiovascular wellness. 

Dr. Bolon tailors the cardiac screening to you, your personal and family health history, and your lifestyle. It might include:

• A blood pressure check
• A cholesterol check
• A body mass index (BMI) calculation
• Diabetes screening
• Genetic testing
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) testing
• An echocardiogram
• A carotid ultrasound
• Stress testing

Use this fall season to support one of your body’s most essential organs. To get personalized guidance to support your heart health or to schedule a cardiac screening, call our office at (716) 303-4738 or book your appointment online today.