Cardiovascular Health

Maintaining your cardiovascular health is key to living a long, active life. At Behnaz Behmanesh, DO, in Burbank, California, Dr. Behmanesh partners with you to assess your heart health, identify risks, and develop a personalized plan to support your well-being. You receive attentive, compassionate care designed to help you prevent heart problems and stay healthy. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about keeping your heart strong.

What is cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular health refers to the general well-being of your heart and blood vessels. A healthy heart and blood vessels move blood through your body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues.

Keeping your heart and blood vessels strong is important for energy, stamina, and overall well-being. Taking care of your cardiovascular health lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other severe health problems.

What are the common risk factors that affect cardiovascular health?

Several things can raise your risk of developing heart and vascular problems. These include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia)
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Obesity or excess body weight
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet loaded with saturated fats, sodium, and added sugar
• Chronic stress
• Family history of heart disease

Some risk factors, including age and genetics, can’t be changed, but others can be managed through healthy habits and medical care.

How do lifestyle changes improve cardiovascular health?

The choices you make every day have a big impact on your heart and blood vessels. Dr. Behmanesh recommends several practical strategies to help protect and strengthen your cardiovascular system:

Exercise

Engage in regular physical activity, like walking, swimming, and strength training. Exercise strengthens your heart, improves your circulation, and supports your overall cardiovascular function.

Diet

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This helps maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart health.

Other lifestyle habits

Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, manage stress, and maintain a healthy weight. These habits support long-term heart health and reduce your risk of complications. Even small changes lead to significant improvements over time.

Which tests or screenings help monitor cardiovascular health?

Regular checkups with Dr. Behmanesh can detect early signs of cardiovascular problems. Common screenings include:

• Blood pressure checks to monitor for hypertension
• Cholesterol and lipid panel tests
• Blood sugar tests to check for diabetes or prediabetes
• Electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG) to monitor heart rhythm
• Echocardiograms or other imaging tests, if needed
• Stress tests to assess the heart during physical activity

Early detection enables timely intervention and prevents more severe complications.

Dr. Behmanesh will create a personalized plan to strengthen your heart and support long-term cardiovascular wellness. Schedule an appointment by phone or request one online today.