02/02/2026
Inflammation is our body’s response to injury. But when it comes to heart health, the main concern is chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation. This is a persistent, mild immune response where the body’s defenses stay activated without a clear infection. It’s linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Chronic inflammation is often driven by lifestyle factors, but simple, everyday choices can help protect your heart:
• Eat a heart-healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.
• Limit processed foods.
• Be physically active. Any movement is better than none.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
• Manage stress with meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Avoid smoking.
• Keep up with preventative medical care.
• Protect yourself from infections like the flu.