Local cardiologist shares lifestyle tips for a healthy heart

Yahoo

28-02-2025

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)- Friday is the last day of National Heart Health Month, but that doesn't mean you should stop focusing on your heart health.
Did you know here in the United States, someone gets a heart attack every 40 seconds?
WKBN talked with cardiologist Dr. Shyam Bhakta with Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull who said they're seeing an increase in heart disease among young people due to high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking, including using vaping products.
Vaping might not have the same effects as combustible smoke but it still contains nicotine, which is damaging to the heart and blood vessels. This is the first 'Heart Health Month' since recreational marijuana was legalized in Ohio, so I asked about its potential effects.
He says there's not enough research on the long-term effects, but weed does impact heart rate and blood pressure, and can cause depression and anxiety. When it comes to alcohol, Doctor Bhakta says it causes high blood pressure, heart failure, increases the risk of stroke, and cancer.
Perhaps you've heard someone say, or even you have said 'A glass of red wine is actually supposed to be good for you.'
Here's what the cardiologist had to say about that.
'We used to think that wine was beneficial for the heart. but those studies that were done. Those were old studies done in the 1980s and 1990s, and there's what we call 'selection bias. We used to think that wine was beneficial for the heart. But those studies that were done. Those were old studies done in the 1980s and 1990s, and there's what we call 'selection bias,' said Dr. Bhakta.
He doesn't recommend abstinence from alcohol, but moderation is key.For women, that means keeping it to one drink per day, and for men, two. Body-mass index plays a role in those recommendations.
Research also shows that alcohol has a greater impact on women's heart health compared to men.
Eating properly is a key. Dr. Bhakta said no diet is perfect, but the so-called 'Mediterranean Diet' offers a good outline of what you should be eating. It focuses on consuming plant-based foods, fish, and chicken as well as limiting red meat intake.
Overall, just eating a well-balanced diet is the key. Regularly exercising is also important, and it doesn't have to be anything too intense. You can take a quick 15-minute walk outside. In the colder months, taking a stroll down some extra aisles at the store can sneak in those steps.
For those of you who enjoy caffeine, Doctor Bhakta says drinking it in moderation is okay, but too much can impact your heart and blood pressure. Stress is something many of us experience every day, and unfortunately it is hard to avoid. So here's the doctor's recommendation.
'Life is challenging, life is very tough, but I think finding ways to cope with it. I think regular exercise is a good way to relax and alleviate some of the stress. I think getting adequate sleep, making sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, is an effective way to deal with it. Then if you're in stressful situations, having coping mechanisms: going into a quiet room, drinking hot tea, doing meditation and breathing exercises can help as well,' Dr. Bhakta said.
So what are signs that something could be wrong with your heart? The most common symptom is pain in the middle of your chest that happens with activity. It might feel like it's squeezing, crushing, stabbing, or sharp, but it goes away when you catch your breath and are resting.
If your heartbeat is racing or pounding, that could be a sign of a heart rhythm problem.If you have any of these symptoms, acting early is key. Go to the emergency room, or call 911.
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