Coastal Heights Senior Living

How to Improve Heart Health in 30 Days with Simple Lifestyle Shifts

Written by Coastal Heights Senior Living | Dec 8, 2025 5:00:00 AM

To improve heart health in 30 days, focus on your nutrition, exercise, and relieving stress. Developing heart-healthy habits could help extend your longevity. 

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an individual dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds. Cardiovascular disease accounts for one in three deaths every year. It's the leading cause of death among men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. 

 

Instead of worrying about your ticker, pledge to improve heart health in 30 days. With a few heart-healthy habits, you could improve your overall health and extend your longevity.

 

What lifestyle habits are potentially increasing your risk, and how can you plot a course for this 30-day wellness challenge? Read on to find out and improve your heart health in Costa Mesa, CA.

 

What Lifestyle Factors Trigger Heart Failure?

Lifestyle choices that may lead to heart failure include:

  • Stress (which triggers inflammation)
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Poor sleep
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Obesity
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Bad dietary habits (including eating foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and trans fats)
  • A sedentary lifestyle/not exercising

Over time, these habits could cause hypertension, diabetes, or coronary heart disease (CAD). These underlying health issues may increase your risk of heart failure.

 

How Can I Improve Heart Health in 30 Days?

Before changing your routine to take on this 30-day wellness challenge, consult your doctor. They can help you develop a personalized plan based on your health concerns and needs.

 

Here are a few heart-healthy habits you can add to your routine.

 

Nutrition for Aging Adults

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan may help protect your heart from damage. In 2025, US News & World Report named it the "Best Heart-Healthy Diet" and "Best Diet for High Blood Pressure." This eating plan entails:

  • Eating more whole foods (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
  • Consuming fat-free and low-fat dairy products (over full-fat dairy options)
  • Limiting your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, candy, or other sweets
  • Limiting your intake of foods high in saturated fat (including fatty meats and tropical oils)
  • Eating more poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils

Consult a nutritionist or doctor before making major changes to your diet. They'll ensure you meet your daily nutritional needs.

 

You can find nutritious, heart-healthy dishes through your senior living community's dining program. Ask friends to join you for meals. Eating together may encourage you all to make healthier eating decisions.

 

Senior Fitness Tips

Remember, a sedentary life may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Stay physically active by adding the following to your weekly routine:

  • 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (30 minutes a day)
  • Two strength-training sessions
  • Balance or flexibility exercises

Aerobic activities will get your heart pumping. They may help lower your blood pressure and glucose levels. Exercising regularly can help you maintain a regular weight, which could reduce your risk of obesity.

 

Your senior living community's fitness program may offer a range of group exercise classes, such as:

  • Stretching
  • Yoga and chair yoga
  • Aerobic classes
  • Tai chi
  • Weight lifting
  • Resistance band training
  • Pilates

Consider participating in group classes or working with a physical trainer. This can ensure you use the proper techniques, which may help reduce your risk of injuries. Exercising with friends may encourage you to join classes regularly.

 

Herbal Supplements

High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To lower your blood pressure, consider using herbs and spices like:

  • Cinnamon
  • Celery sticks
  • Cardamom
  • Garlic
  • Bacopa monnieri
  • Chinese cat's claw
  • Ginger
  • Basil
  • Thyme
  • Parsley

Cinnamon may help dilate and relax blood vessels. You can incorporate cinnamon into your meals by sprinkling it atop oatmeal or in smoothies. 

 

Celery seeds are packed with nutrients that may decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Cardamom could affect insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

 

Always consult a doctor before adding supplements to your routine. They'll ensure you don't take anything that may interact with prescription medications. 

 

Relieve Stress

Stress can trigger inflammation, which may increase your risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease. To relieve stress, consider:

  • Getting enough sleep
  • Doing deep breathing exercises
  • Practicing meditation
  • Practicing yoga
  • Exercising
  • Journaling

Heart Care Over 60

Instead of embarking on this 30-day challenge alone, consider moving into a senior living community. You can rely on their exclusive senior lifestyle programs to enjoy a maintenance-free retirement. They can help with:

  • Dining
  • Social events
  • Events and activities
  • Fitness classes

Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar to discover new hobbies. Engaging in hobbies may add a source of joy and fulfillment to your life. You can relieve stress, which may benefit your heart health, alongside new friends.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Early Signs of Clogged Arteries?

The early signs of clogged arteries include:

  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Vomiting

Consult a doctor right away if you experience these symptoms. They can run tests to determine if plaque build-up is causing your arteries to harden (atherosclerosis).

 

What Foods Do Cardiologists Say You Should Avoid?

Cardiologists recommend that you adjust your diet to avoid:

  • Full-fat dairy products
  • Sugary drinks and energy drinks
  • Cookies, pastries, crackers, and other baked goods
  • Bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats
  • French fries and other fried foods
  • Red meat (lamb, veal, beef, etc.)
  • Sugary cereals and candy

Consuming high amounts of these foods may trigger inflammation, increasing your risk of heart disease. Instead, consider eating whole foods, including fruits and vegetables. Fruits like berries contain antioxidants, which offer anti-inflammatory and protective benefits.

 

Try a 30-Day Wellness Challenge

This year, make a change for the better. Improve heart health in 30 days using these holistic, heart-healthy habits. With these tips, you can improve your overall health, extend your longevity, and make the most of your retirement. 

 

At Coastal Heights Senior Living, we offer signature lifestyle programs, including engaging outings and activities through Vibrant LifeĀ® and home-style dining through ElevateĀ® Dining.

 

We offer a unique lifestyle that encourages seniors to maintain their independence. Experience the best years of your life. Contact us now to schedule your tour.