Simple Habits Changes That Can Have a Big Impact on Heart Health

JAKARTA - Heart disease can strike anyone, from young to old. If heart disease has attacked, it can drastically change a person's quality of life, even leading to fatal consequences.

Therefore, heart health must be maintained early with daily habits. To keep the heart healthy, it does not have to be done by making drastic and extreme changes to habits.

"In the end, small and consistent changes will be much more meaningful than sudden and extreme changes," said director of cardiovascular and lipid health at Northwell Health, Guy L. Mintz, quoted from Parade, Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Realistic simple changes are easier to maintain in the long term, especially because the risk of heart disease increases with age. One habit change that can be done is exercise.

Exercise for the heart does not have to be heavy or a strict schedule. Simple movements done every day, such as going up and down the stairs, are enough to help maintain heart health.

"Use the stairs instead of the elevator, or park a little further away so that you are forced to walk," said cardiac electrophysiologist Lu Chen.

Then make changes to your diet gradually. Focus on one small change at a time, such as replacing high-salt snacks with fruit, or setting a meat-free day each week.

"Modifiable lifestyle changes that can be maintained for decades are key to minimizing the impact of cardiovascular disease," he explained.

It is also recommended to avoid smoking, which is still one of the main risk factors for heart disease. This must be done because the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise can be lost if you still smoke.

"The negative impact of tobacco is very large and can negate the benefits of any diet or exercise," he continued.

In making various changes to these simple habits, consistency is the key. These habits must be repeated every day, to create a healthier physiological adaptation and to better maintain heart function.