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When blood pressure is controlled and treatment has already been adjusted, medical follow-up is usually carried out every 3 to 6 months, according to the Brazilian Guidelines for Arterial Hypertension and the guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC).<\/p>\n
During the period when medications are still being adjusted, the frequency of appointments is determined individually by the physician responsible for the patient’s care.<\/p>\n
People with heart failure:<\/strong> Once the condition is stable, the frequency of appointments is determined individually by the physician responsible for the patient’s care.<\/p>\n People with stable chronic coronary artery disease (heart artery disease):<\/strong> More complex tests are only recommended if new symptoms appear or the condition worsens. Performing tests without a real need does not provide benefits and may cause unnecessary concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Which lifestyle habits contribute most to protecting the heart and reducing the risk of complications?<\/strong><\/p>\n Some everyday habits play a fundamental role in protecting the heart and reducing the risk of problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.<\/p>\n Healthy eating:<\/strong><\/p>\n Regular physical activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n Reducing salt and alcohol and managing weight:<\/strong><\/p>\n Other essential habits:<\/strong><\/p>\n Taking care of these factors helps prevent the progression of heart disease and improves quality of life and life expectancy.<\/p>\n What should you consider in your diet to keep your heart healthy?<\/strong><\/p>\n Diet plays a central role in preventing heart disease. Some points are especially important:<\/p>\n 1. Prefer a plant-based diet<\/strong><\/p>\n Choose diets that prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and the use of olive oil, along with regular consumption of fish and low-fat dairy products.<\/p>\n 2. Reduce fats that are harmful to the heart<\/strong><\/p>\n It is important to reduce the consumption of saturated fats (found in fatty meats, butter, and some dairy products), especially in people at cardiovascular risk, and instead choose healthier fats, such as:<\/p>\n Unhealthy fats, such as those found in fatty meats and processed products, should be avoided because they increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and the risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n 3. Control your salt (sodium) intake<\/strong><\/p>\n Excessive salt intake increases blood pressure. It is recommended to limit sodium consumption to less than 2,300 mg per day, with around 1,500 mg per day being ideal for greater cardiovascular protection, equivalent to less than one level teaspoon of salt per day.<\/p>\n 4. Avoid ultra-processed foods and added sugars<\/strong><\/p>\n Processed foods, processed meats (such as cured meats), foods high in sugar, and sweetened beverages are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and should be consumed in moderation or avoided.<\/p>\n 5. Increase your fiber intake<\/strong><\/p>\n The fiber found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains helps:<\/p>\n
While medications are being adjusted, the patient should be evaluated every month.<\/p>\n
When a person is stable and has no new symptoms, medical follow-up should be carried out at least once a year, according to the guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC).<\/p>\n\n
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