Opinion: Share your love to protect your heart

It’s time for another discussion of heart health and what you can do for yourself. Once again it is Heart Health Awareness Month, and of course, Valentine’s Day.

Although incredible progress is being made in the treatment of coronary artery disease (blocked blood vessels to the heart), my lens always focuses on prevention, especially in February. What have you done this past year to keep your heart healthy?

It’s really all about your lifestyle, which you can change, and genetics, which you cannot change. If you have a history of early heart attacks, your risk is higher and you should visit your doctor early and often, and look at the things you can change.

I know I have talked endlessly about diet and exercise, but changes in both can lower your risk of heart attacks, which can be fatal. Eating right, weight control, no smoking, and regular exercise will keep you and your heart in better shape.

But there’s more to the story of your healthy heart. What about expressions of empathy and affection?

Can these help keep your heart singing the right tune?

Some studies have shown that expressing positive feelings through words and actions (hugging, kissing, empathy) could build your immune system, and lower your stress hormones, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kory Floyd, a professor at the Hugh Downs School of Communications at Arizona State University, studies the relationship between affectionate communication and physical health. He found that kissing could lower cholesterol levels, decrease stress and increase relationship satisfaction.

What could be better for your heart?

As a physician, I try hard to empathize with every patient. It isn’t always easy, especially if they don’t listen. But if I do, it really pays off! I feel better and don’t take my frustration to the next patient.

So try this for your heart, too: Be empathic and affectionate toward your loved ones, your friends, your colleagues, and even your pets. You and your heart will feel better for it! Every day can be Valentine’s Day.