With the new year here, resolutions are in full swing. And if you’re living with heart disease or are at risk for cardiac issues, you should adopt some heart-healthy ones for 2026, if you haven’t already.
Making a few cardiovascular-friendly resolutions is a good way to start this year, even if you haven’t developed any heart or other cardiovascular issues.
At the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute, board-certified cardiologist Hesham Fakhri, MD, provides heart-healthy tips and treatments to keep you healthy throughout the new year. Here’s what you need to know.
The most important organ in the body is the heart. It receives deoxygenated blood from the veins and pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries to the body.
A healthy heart gives your body nutrients and oxygen it needs to function. But issues like heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure damage the arteries and heart, causing health problems.
Two significant problems with an unhealthy heart are a stroke and a heart attack. Both occur when you are living with high cholesterol or blocked arteries, which can cause heart or brain damage if a clot breaks off.
The health of your heart affects the rest of your body. If it can’t pump out nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood, the rest of your organs and tissues suffer. The result is symptoms like fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Keeping your heart healthy begins with a few healthy lifestyle choices. Eating a diet rich in whole foods and getting regular exercise are great places to start.
Whether you're already living with heart issues or you're at risk, take the appropriate steps to avoid heart issues in 2026. Making a few New Year's resolutions now will help you take control of your heart.
There are many ways to change your heart health, and it doesn’t take much. Here are three resolutions for a safe and happy 2026 for your heart.
A heart-healthy diet is an excellent place to start to keep your heart safe in 2026. Eat lean proteins, whole fruits, and fresh vegetables. Stay away from overly processed foods that contain added sugars, trans fats, or excess sodium.
Eating a heart-healthy diet reduces your risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which contribute to heart disease.
It's also important to get regular checkups and testing if you're at risk for heart disease. Our team offers diagnostic testing, echocardiograms, and vascular ultrasounds to keep your heart working at its best.
Physical activity is an especially effective way to manage heart health. Many people set goals to start exercising regularly in January, but don’t always follow through.
To help your heart, aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly. You can also add balance training, flexibility exercises, and strength training to create a successful workout plan.
Planning workouts ahead of time or seeking assistance from a trainer can help you create a routine you can stick with all year.
Stress takes a toll on your body, especially your heart. High stress levels can worsen heart conditions or issues like arrhythmias. Controlling stress is crucial for a healthy heart.
Learn to meditate or use deep breathing techniques to ease stress and muscle tension, and get enough sleep to improve your heart function. Although becoming stress-free is nearly impossible, you can cut back on negative stress with a few simple changes.
For more information about staying heart healthy in the new year, contact our specialists at the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute. Call us today or reach out online to schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Sun City, Florida.
