You may already be thinking about setting New Year’s resolutions, and if you’re hoping to take charge of your health in 2026, there’s no better place to start than your heart. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, but with simple, consistent lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risk and improve your long-term wellness.
At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, our Heart Smart Program is designed to help patients do exactly that: make sustainable lifestyle changes, manage risk factors, and monitor heart health under expert supervision. Here are five resolutions to get your heart in top shape this year, courtesy of cardiologist and varicose vein specialist Kunal Patel, MD, FACC.
Regular physical activity strengthens your heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, which works out to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
You don’t have to run marathons or even join a gym to get results. Brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or even doing yard work can make a big difference. The key is consistency, so find something you enjoy and stick with it.
If you have heart disease or risk factors like hypertension or diabetes, always talk to your healthcare team before starting a new exercise plan. Our team can offer personalized exercise recommendations to help you stay active safely and effectively.
Your diet has a direct impact on your cardiovascular health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Make a resolution to:
Our Heart Smart Program includes nutrition counseling and meal planning guidance tailored to your personal health goals, making it easier to make lasting dietary changes.
Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure, increase inflammation, and make it harder to stick to healthy habits. Resolve to make it a priority to find ways to manage stress that work for you.
Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or journaling to help calm your mind. Even simple lifestyle changes like spending more time outdoors or setting aside time for hobbies can support both your mental and cardiovascular health.
Knowledge is power when it comes to your heart. Regular checkups help you monitor key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels — and detect issues before they become serious.
Our Heart Smart Program uses advanced diagnostics and ongoing monitoring to track your heart health and tailor your care plan. Whether you’re managing an existing condition or you simply want to prevent one, staying proactive is one of the best resolutions you can make.
Healthy changes are easier to make — and stick with — when you have guidance and accountability. That’s where our Heart Smart Program shines.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that helps you set achievable goals, stay motivated, and make lasting improvements in your heart health. We’re here to support you every step of the way with education, monitoring, and individualized care.
Looking ahead to the new year, make the commitment to take meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier heart and a longer, more active life. To get started, contact us online or call 201-866-7000 to make an appointment at one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
