6 TexasHealthMansfield.org Small changes for a stronger heart When it comes to heart disease prevention, even small changes can help bring benefits down the road, says Cardiologist Apurva Patel, MD. Try these health tips: 1. Cook more meals at home. You can control the sodium, saturated fat and added sugars while emphasizing heart-healthy choices, like fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein. 2. Calm your mind. Excess stress may hurt your heart. “Exercise, yoga, meditation and getting a good night’s sleep are all Cardiac rehab may help you recover After a heart problem or a heart procedure, participating in cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) can help you get back to your life. Texas Health Mansfield offers a 12-week cardiac rehab program, followed by an optional—but often helpful—maintenance phase. During each session, you’ll be fitted with a heart monitor and guided by the staff while you exercise to improve your strength and stamina and accomplish personal goals. “For example, some people want to get back to playing a sport, like pickleball,” says Exercise Physiologist Zachary Maktabi, BSHS. “Others want to play with their grandchildren.” “I notice a spike in people’s confidence,” says Cardiac Rehab Nurse La’Ambria “Bri” Florence, BSN, RN, AMB-BC. “Their endurance builds up significantly.” You’ll also learn healthy changes to help protect your heart. Plus, rehab participants often “create bonds and friendships,” Bri says. “It’s a beautiful thing to watch. They’re bonding over that same shared experience. It changes their mood, and they motivate each other.” Ask your provider if cardiac rehab is right for you. things that may help you manage stress,” Dr. Patel suggests. 3. Take a brisk walk. Every step gets you closer to the American Heart Association’s minimum weekly recommendation: 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise. 4. Schedule a checkup. Regular checkups help your provider identify heart disease risk factors that you can tackle together. Based on your risk, you may want to ask your provider about a coronary artery calcium scan. It can spot calcium in your arteries. “That is a strong predictor of future heart attacks, strokes or clots in the legs,” Dr. Patel says. Prevention is best. But should you need treatment, you can feel confident that Texas Health Hospital Mansfield offers many advanced heart disease procedures, close to home. Explore expert heart care in Mansfield Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Heart.
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