Posted on

5 Tips to Improve Your Heart Health During Heart Health Month

A promotional graphic for Monadnock Community Hospital featuring a red heart with an EKG line running through it, placed on top of an electrocardiogram printout. A stethoscope is partially visible in the background. On the right side, there is a blue box with a circular headshot of Brooke O’Connor, APRN, wearing a white coat and smiling. Below her photo, the text reads: "A note from our Cardiology specialist, Brooke O’Connor, APRN
Overview
5 Tips to Improve Your Heart Health During Heart Health Month

Wellness Wednesday: Wellness Tips

A stylized lotus flower logo with shades of teal and green, featuring a circular emblem in the center depicting a white mountain peak against a blue and green backgroundAt Monadnock Community Hospital, we believe that wellness isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey we embark on together. That’s why we’ve launched our Wellness Wednesday campaign, an initiative designed to inspire, inform, and empower our community to lead healthier, happier lives.

5 Tips to Improve Your Heart Health

Your heart works tirelessly to keep you going—so why not give it some extra care? Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in protecting your heart and reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Here are five practical ways to prioritize your heart health: 

  • Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet 

Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimize trans fats, excess sodium, and added sugars. 

Science: The Mediterranean diet, rich in healthy fats and plant-based foods, lowers heart disease risk (1). 

  •  Stay Active 

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Activities like walking, swimming, or biking can strengthen your heart and improve circulation. 

Science: Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels (2). 

  • Quit Smoking 

Smoking damages blood vessels and increases plaque buildup, leading to heart disease. Quitting improves heart health almost immediately. 

Science: Within a year of quitting, your risk of heart disease drops by 50% (3). 

  •  Manage Stress 

Chronic stress increases blood pressure and heart rate. Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises to keep stress in check. 

Science: Stress reduction is associated with lower cortisol and blood pressure (4). 

  •  Monitor Your Numbers 

Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Early detection can prevent heart-related complications. 

Science: Keeping these metrics in check reduces cardiovascular risks significantly (5). 

FAQ

  1. What’s the best exercise for heart health?

Aerobic activities like walking, cycling, and swimming are excellent for improving heart health. 

  1. How does sodium affect my heart?

High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for heart disease. 

  1. Can heart disease be reversed?

While damage cannot always be undone, lifestyle changes can halt or slow progression. 

Resources

Maintaining heart health is a lifelong journey, but small, daily choices can make a significant impact. Whether it’s eating a balanced diet, staying active, or managing stress, every step you take supports a stronger, healthier heart. Prioritizing regular check-ups and knowing your key health numbers can help detect potential issues early, empowering you to take control of your well-being. At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are committed to providing the knowledge and care you need to keep your heart strong for years to come. 

Brooke O'ConnorStay well, 

Brooke N. O’Connor, APRN 

Expert Advice: Brooke N. O’Connor, APRN – Cardiology

“Your heart is the engine of your body—keep it running smoothly with small, consistent lifestyle changes. A heart-healthy diet, regular movement, and stress management can make all the difference.” 

About the Provider:

Brooke N. O’Connor, APRN, is a dedicated cardiology specialist at Monadnock Cardiology Associates. She earned her nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner degrees from Regis College in Weston, MA, and has served as a Lead Cardiology Nurse Practitioner in the Dartmouth Health system for six years. Brooke focuses on personalized cardiovascular care, including heart disease prevention, management of high blood pressure, and cholesterol optimization. Her approach combines evidence-based medicine with compassionate, patient-centered care to help individuals take control of their heart health. 

Quick Tip:

“Know your numbers! Regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help catch heart health issues early and keep you on track for lifelong wellness.”