Easy tips from one Huntsville cardiologist for taking care of your heart

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Did you know that, according to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups? However, the good news is that February is Heart Month, and Huntsville has lots of resources to help you improve your heart health.

We got to talk with a top Huntsville cardiologist and learn some easy and practical tips on how you can improve your heart health.

Meet Dr. Lulli

Dr. Lulli grew up in Peru where he completed medical school before coming to the U.S. for his residency and fellowship in Galveston, Texas.

Six months ago, he moved to Huntsville and started working as a cardiologist at Huntsville Hospital’s Heart Center. So far, he’s really enjoying the Rocket City (he likes the summers a lot better here than in Texas), and his favorite activity is hiking at Monte Sano.

Potential signs of heart disease

Dr. Lulli’s interest in cardiology is twofold—it’s scientific and community-focused. He was first drawn to the profession because he was fascinated by the biology of the heart and how it works as a machine.

From there, his interest became more community-focused as he understood the burden heart disease causes for many families and communities.

He wanted to help improve the lives of these patients, so he decided to become a cardiologist.

As a cardiologist, Dr. Lulli knows that one of the best ways to treat heart disease is to catch it early. Here are some heart disease signs you should keep an eye on:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Episodes of dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Pain in your shoulders or back
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue

NOTE: Men + women may experience heart complications differently

Although chest pain is a very common heart disease symptom for men, Dr. Lulli notes that it doesn’t show up as frequently in women.

Women should monitor other potential symptoms and seek care if they notice significant changes.

One of the best ways to prevent vascular disease is getting a screening, and the Huntsville Hospital Heart Center offers them for only $99.

5 easy tips for taking care of your heart

If you want to lower your risk for heart disease, here are some healthy habits you can get into place.

1. Control your blood pressure

• Get plenty of exercise.
• Eat a healthy diet, keeping sugars and fats in moderation while consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins.
• Get your blood pressure checked regularly at your local doctor’s office or a pharmacy.

2. Control your Cholesterol

• Eat more unsaturated than saturated fats (more olive oil and avocados than red meats, coconut oil and butter).
• Get regular blood work done to monitor your cholesterol.

3. Quit tobacco

• Make a plan and write down your goals for quitting. If you put it on paper, it’s more likely to happen.
• Know yourself and whether it’s better to quit cold turkey or progressively.
• Utilize your resources. Ex: Nicotine gums/patches, medication, therapy, etc.

4. Get healthy sleep

• It’s not just about hitting the minimum 7-9 hours of sleep (depending on your age); it’s also about your quality of sleep.
• Create a good consistent sleeping schedule.
• Turn off all screens and music before bed and give yourself time to wind down.

5. Get active

• Get 150 minutes of activity during the week. This can be divided up however fits your schedule (ex: 30 minutes five times a week or 10 minutes twice a day).
• For those who aren’t beginners and regularly exercise, Dr. Lulli recommends 75 minutes minimum of intense exercise per week (ex: swimming, jumping rope, running).
• Write your workouts on your calendar so you hold yourself accountable and get them done.

Check out the Heart Center at Huntsville Hospital

Overall, Dr. Lulli always encourages patients to be more cautious than not. He’s seen so many lives saved by catching heart disease early.

“If you have concerns, you should never hesitate to reach out. It is so much better to be safe than sorry. If you end up not having heart disease, that’s great news. But if we do see a cause for concern, we can catch it early and help you get the treatment you need.”

Dr. Lulli, Huntsville Hospital Heart Center

If you do visit the Huntsville Hospital Heart Center, rest assured that you’re in good hands:

“I love working at Huntsville Hospital because the team here is great. They are excellent professionals and people.

Here in the Heart Center, we are well-equipped to deal with all cardiological issues. It’s very reassuring as a professional to be in a hospital where you can take care of all of your patients’ needs in one place.”

Dr. Lulli, Huntsville Hospital Heart Center

If you want to improve your heart health, visit the Huntsville Hospital Heart Center today.

The information provided in this video is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations and treatment.

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