Your Heart Matters: How UNC Health Blue Ridge Helps Protect Your Heart

February is Heart Month, a time to focus on the small steps that make a big difference in protecting your heart. At UNC Health Blue Ridge, our Cardiology team is committed to helping you understand your risk, stay informed, and get the right care when you need it. Every day, our providers work to support your heart health through prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment.

Why Heart Health Matters
Heart disease continues to be one of the most common health concerns for adults. Many heart conditions can be prevented or managed when care starts early. One of the most important steps is knowing your numbers. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index.

Many of our patients share that understanding these numbers helped them recognize warning signs sooner, make healthier choices, and feel more confident about their heart health.

How Our Team Supports You
Our Cardiology team provides complete heart care close to home. This includes:

• Screening and education to help you understand your risk
• Quick access to testing and diagnostics
• Advanced treatments from experienced cardiology specialists
• Support and rehabilitation programs that help you recover and stay strong

1. Know your blood pressure. Aim for less than 130 over 80.
   Treating high blood pressure early protects your heart, brain, and kidneys. Regular checks, healthy habits, and medication when needed can keep your numbers safe.
2. Choose heart‑healthy foods.
   Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low‑fat dairy, and healthy fats like olive oil. Limit sodium, sugary drinks, red meat, and processed foods.
3. Move your body every day.
   Aim for about 30 minutes of activity a day. Even short bursts of movement help. Daily activity lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and reduces stress.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
   Losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
5. Get good sleep.
   Adults need seven to nine hours each night. Poor sleep increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If sleep is hard for you, talk with your provider to rule out conditions like sleep apnea.
6. Avoid tobacco in all forms.
   Smoking and vaping damage blood vessels and raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. Quitting brings fast and long‑term benefits.
7. Monitor cholesterol and blood sugar.
   Regular screenings help catch concerns early. This is especially important if heart disease runs in your family.
8. Manage stress.
   Stress can raise blood pressure and inflammation. Relaxation, mindfulness, and enjoyable activities all support heart health.
9. Follow your treatment plan.
   If you take medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, or other conditions, taking it consistently helps prevent heart attack and stroke.
10. Build habits that support your whole body.
    Heart‑healthy habits benefit your brain, lungs, vision, muscles, and metabolism. Small improvements made over time lead to lasting change.

• Pay attention to your blood pressure
• Add more movement to your day
• Choose foods that nourish your heart
• Talk with your primary care provider about heart screenings