February is Heart Health Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the CDC, over 700,000 people lost their lives to heart disease in 2022 alone. While certain risk factors like age and genetics are beyond our control, lifestyle choices play a significant role in preventing heart-related complications.
Dr. Taylor Nipp, Interventional Cardiologist with CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital, recently spoke with KPLC about the impact of heart disease and the small but powerful steps we can take to reduce our risk.
Understanding Heart Disease
Heart disease comes in many forms, but one of the most serious is blocked arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and other life-threatening conditions. Other common concerns include:
Heart Failure – When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – A common heart rhythm disorder that can increase stroke risk.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk?
While genetics play a role, your daily choices matter. Dr. Nipp recommends:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet – Focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while limiting refined carbohydrates, high salt, and saturated fats. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to significantly lower heart disease risk—even small adjustments can make a difference.
- Staying active – Engage in 30 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise, five times a week to keep your heart strong.
- Getting regular check-ups – A baseline cardiovascular risk assessment should start early in life. Dr. Nipp advises:
- Cholesterol screenings by age 18
- Annual blood pressure checks
Know the Warning Signs
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to speak with your doctor:
Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly, either at rest or during activity
Irregular heart rhythms, felt as palpitations or fluttering in the chest
Early detection is key. By making heart-conscious choices now, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease later in life.
» Watch Dr. Nipp’s full interview here »
At Imperial Health-Cardiovascular Specialists, we are committed to helping our community take charge of their heart health. If you have concerns or need a heart health assessment, schedule an appointment with our expert team today!