American Heart Month – Heart Healthy Tips for Patients Receiving Biologic Treatments

February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

This month serves as a reminder to take proactive steps to protect your heart health, especially if you are managing a chronic condition with biologic therapy.

Your heart works hard for you every day, and taking steps to care for it can improve your overall health and the effectiveness of your biologic treatments.

Here’s how you can adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle while receiving biologic therapy.

Why Heart Health Matters When You’re on Biologic Therapy

Biologic treatments help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, making them essential for managing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

However, chronic inflammation itself is a risk factor for heart disease. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues due to long-term inflammation and its effects on blood vessels.

Certain biologics may also slightly impact cholesterol levels or blood pressure, making it even more critical to adopt heart-friendly habits.

Following a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall well-being.

Heart-Healthy Tips for Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

What you eat plays a significant role in your heart health. A Mediterranean-style diet is highly recommended because it is rich in heart-protective nutrients.

• Choose healthy fats: Opt for olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish instead of saturated fats from red meat and processed foods.
• Eat plenty of fiber: Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
• Increase omega-3s: Fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease.
• Limit processed foods and added sugars: Avoid foods high in sodium, trans fats, and artificial ingredients that can increase your heart disease risk.

Stay Active, Within Your Abilities

Regular physical activity strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and helps manage inflammation. However, it’s essential to speak to your doctor before you start any new exercise routine, especially if you experience joint pain or fatigue from your condition.

Your healthcare provider may recommend low-impact exercises such as:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga or tai chi
• Pilates

There is no need to overexert yourself; even short bursts of movement throughout the day can make a difference. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or as your doctor recommends.

Manage Stress for a Healthier Heart

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Since living with a chronic illness can be stressful, it’s crucial to find ways to manage your mental and emotional well-being. To do this, you can try:

• Mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress levels.
• Gentle stretching or meditation to promote relaxation.
• Spending time with loved ones to boost your mood and overall heart health.

Get Quality Sleep

Lack of sleep can increase inflammation and put extra strain on your heart.

If you struggle with fatigue from your condition or treatment, aim to:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine (limit screen time and caffeine before bed).
• Use supportive pillows or sleep positions to reduce joint discomfort.

Stay Hydrated and Limit Alcohol

Drinking enough water supports circulation and prevents dehydration, which can stress your cardiovascular system. Therefore, you should try to:

• Drink at least 8 cups of water daily (more if you’re active or taking medications that cause dehydration).
• Limit alcohol consumption, as it can increase inflammation and interact with some biologic treatments.

Keep Up with Regular Checkups

Because biologic therapies and autoimmune conditions can impact heart health, it’s crucial to schedule regular checkups with both your rheumatologist (or specialist) and a cardiologist if needed.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Cholesterol and blood pressure screenings
• Inflammation markers and heart health tests
• Lifestyle modifications to support both your treatment and heart health

Prioritizing Your Heart Health During Biologic Therapy

Your health is a journey, and American Heart Month is the perfect time to focus on protecting your heart while managing your condition with biologic therapy.

Remember, small changes can make a significant impact over time. Listen to your body, work with your healthcare team, and take steps today to care for your heart and health.