UAB Cardiologist Offers Multiple Tips for a Heart-Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

By Katherine Kirk | UAB News February is American Heart Month, but heart health is important all year round. Elizabeth Jackson, M.D., a cardiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cardiovascular Institute, says making small lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart disease and the use of medications to regulate health. A healthy lifestyle is about making small changes over time that build upon each other. Jackson says it is never too early to start thinking about heart health. “Data shows that starting a healthy lifestyle at a young age can help reduce heart disease later in life,” Jackson said. Jackson says not every meal has to be perfect. Starting with one meal or one day of healthy eating may help build a healthy dietary pattern over time. Regardless of whether a patient has a history of heart disease, Jackson says, regular checkups and lifestyle changes are important. “Diet and physical activity are foundational to heart health,” Jackson said. “If medication for heart health is necessary, healthy diet and regular activity can amplify or enhance what your medication is already doing.” Eating healthy Restaurants can be places of anxiety for individuals trying to eat healthy due to a...