27 Jan Happy Heart Health by Dr. Montag

When most people think about heart health, cholesterol is the first thing that comes to mind. But cardiovascular wellness is much more complex than a single lab number. Your heart is influenced daily by blood sugar balance, inflammation levels, stress hormones, nutrient status, sleep quality, and your body’s recovery. Understanding these deeper factors allows for earlier prevention, more personalized care, and a stronger foundation for long-term heart health.

Heart Health Beyond Cholesterol 

February is Heart Health Month, and in terms of heart health, cholesterol usually steals the show. Cardiovascular health is more dynamic than a single lab value. Your heart responds daily to inflammation, stress hormones, blood sugar swings, nutrient status, and even how well your body recovers at night. Here are a few heart-smart strategies that often get overlooked. 

Stabilize blood sugar, not just calories 

Frequent blood sugar spikes quietly damage blood vessels and increase inflammation. Pair carbohydrates with protein, fiber, or healthy fats to slow glucose absorption. This reduces oxidative stress on the arteries and improves long-term heart resilience, even in people with normal cholesterol. 

Support the stress response 

Chronic stress elevates cortisol and adrenaline, which raise blood pressure, promote visceral fat, and strain the heart over time. Daily nervous system support matters. Gentle movement, morning sunlight, breathwork, and consistent, good quality sleep can lower cardiovascular risk. 

Think inflammation, not fat 

It’s not dietary fat that harms the heart, it’s chronic inflammation. Prioritize omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, sardines, chia seeds, and walnuts, polyphenols from berries and olive oil, and spices like turmeric and ginger. This helps calm inflammatory pathways that drive plaque instability and vascular damage. 

Heat therapy as heart support 

Heat exposure through regular sauna use improves circulation, supports the endothelium (the very important inner layer of blood vessels), lowers resting blood pressure over time, and helps reduce whole-body inflammation. Sauna sessions also promote parasympathetic activation, meaning they help the nervous system shift out of chronic stress mode. Even 10–20 minutes a few times per week can support vascular health and recovery, especially when paired with proper hydration and mineral replenishment. 

Look beyond standard cholesterol labs 

A basic lipid panel only tells part of your cardiovascular story. Expanded cardiovascular labs reveal hidden risk, including ApoB, lipoprotein(a), fasting insulin, hs-CRP, homocysteine, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. This deeper data allows for earlier, more targeted prevention rather than waiting for numbers to become “abnormal” when it is too late. 

If you are already on heart medications 

Statins and blood pressure medications help manage cardiovascular risk, but they are not a replacement for lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic support. These medications can also deplete key nutrients over time, so lowering inflammation, promoting endothelial health, managing stress, and optimizing micronutrient status remains essential. The goal is to support your underlying physiology, so your heart is protected long term  and with fewer side effects. 

Your heart health is built through daily habits, metabolic balance, and a clear understanding of your individual risk factors — not just routine lab results. If you’re ready to look beyond basic cholesterol testing and take a more comprehensive, proactive approach to cardiovascular wellness, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Montag (480) 282-8386 to review advanced testing, lifestyle strategies, and personalized recommendations designed to support your heart for the long run.