The human heart is a marvel — working around the clock, beating over 100,000 times a day to keep us alive and thriving. Yet, it often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. Heart disease rarely appears out of the blue; it creeps in quietly, shaped by daily habits that seem harmless in the moment.
So, what do the experts do differently? Cardiologists, who spend their lives studying the heart, know what truly makes or breaks it over time. Here are five things they would never do when it comes to their own heart health.
They Don’t Skip Check-Ups
When it comes to heart health, ignorance is not bliss. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol often have no warning signs until a major event like a heart attack occurs. Cardiologists never gamble with this. Regular check-ups — including BP, blood sugar, cholesterol tests, and ECGs — give them the power to catch problems early, when they’re easiest to manage.
They Don’t Go Overboard With Extreme Workouts
Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to believe that ultramarathons, boot camps, or high-intensity challenges are the ultimate test of fitness. But cardiologists know better: pushing the heart beyond its limits, especially without supervision, can spark dangerous arrhythmias or cardiac events. Instead, they swear by a balanced fitness routine — steady cardio, strength training, and flexibility — all designed to strengthen the heart, not strain it.
They Don’t Fall for Fad Diets
Whether it’s keto, carnivore, or juice cleanses, crash diets promise quick results but often come at a hidden cost: higher LDL cholesterol, nutrient deficiencies, or rebound weight gain. Cardiologists prefer what science consistently supports — a Mediterranean-style plate filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. In other words: no extremes, just balance.
They Don’t Sacrifice Sleep for Success
Burning the midnight oil, binge-watching, endless emails — all of it takes a toll. Cardiologists know that chronic sleep deprivation and stress raise blood pressure, fuel inflammation, and tire out the heart. That’s why they treat rest like medicine. Whether it’s seven hours of quality sleep, digital detox walks, or simple mindfulness rituals, they invest in recovery as much as in productivity.
They Don’t Rely on Magic Pills
Supplements may be marketed as “heart savers,” but most offer little benefit and, in some cases, even interfere with medications. Instead of stocking up on fish oil capsules or antioxidant pills, cardiologists lean on what really works: nutrient-rich foods and evidence-based guidance. For them, heart health comes from the kitchen, not a bottle.
Heart Wisdom: Small Steps, Big Impact
At the end of the day, cardiologists don’t rely on dramatic overhauls or shortcuts. Their secret is in consistency: regular monitoring, sustainable workouts, balanced meals, proper rest, and smart choices backed by science.
World Heart Day may have just passed, but its message is timeless: lasting heart health comes not from extremes, but from small, consistent habits that truly make a difference.
By Prof. Dr. Ajith Pillai MD, DM, FIC (Germany) FRCP(Lon) FRCP(Edin) FRCP(Glasgow,) FACC, FSCAI, Head of Department, Cardiology, Kauvery Hospital – Radial Road, Chennai