Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices is critically important to overall cardiovascular health and can help prevent or slow the progression of heart disease. Valentine’s Day is a great time to make your health and your heart a priority—for you and the people you love. One gift you can give yourself and your family is taking advantage of the advice of select members of our cardiology team. Check out their heart health tips below and incorporate the ones that fit your life the best.

Michelle Tuzzolino, PA-C
Cardiology

“I recommend a diet rich in whole grains, lean meats like poultry and fish, fruits and vegetables, and plant-based oils such as olive oil. I also recommend exercising 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week to keep a healthy heart. This includes both aerobic exercise along with strengthening (anaerobic exercise) and stretching. Spending less time sitting will greatly improve your fitness levels, lower your risk of heart disease, and give you a better quality of life overall.”

Randy Cohen, MD
Cardiology

“Make every effort to eat real, fresh food. Avoid junk food, highly processed foods, and fast food. Minimize carbohydrates and added sugars. Being active is also very important, but you don’t need to run a marathon or live in the gym to be healthy. Quick workouts can work, so find an activity you enjoy and commit to doing it at least 5 minutes per day, slowly increasing that when you can.”

Dr. Francesco Santoni-Rugiu
Cardiology

“Find a whole grain substitute for your favorite carbohydrate food - whether that’s pasta, rice, or pizza. Then spend a little time exploring diet and lifestyle recommendations put out on the American Heart Association’s website for all the high-level scientific information.”

Thomas Molloy, MD, FACC
Cardiology

“A plant-based diet provides all the protein necessary for optimal health and is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes. Don't hesitate to decrease animal protein to a minimum!”

Richard Kutnick, MD
Cardiology

“Limit saturated fats, which are found in red meat and cheese, from your regular diet rotation. Or as I usually recommend, ‘Stay away from cheeseburgers at all costs!’”