As a firefighter and paramedic for six years, André LeSueur helped dozens of people in the midst of emergency cardiac events. Now, as the lead exercise physiologist at St. Francis, he helps patients recovering from a cardiac event.
LeSueur and his team work to rehab patients who’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition, such as coronary artery disease, or have experienced a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack, open heart, or bypass surgery.
The 12-week program aims to improve patients’ cardio fitness by strengthening and conditioning the cardiovascular system through a series of exercises. However, LeSueur says exercise is just one component of good heart health. Patients also receive help with nutrition, smoking cessation if needed, and managing stress.
“Most of our cardiovascular risk factors are a result of life choices,” Lesueur says. “If you learn to live your life in a way that’s going to be conducive to heart health, that can increase your quality of life and longevity.”
“Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States,” LeSueur says. And the number one driver is lifestyle, which he says can be a “good thing because all we have to do is change the way we live.”
Here are five tips from André LeSueur to maintain a healthy heart:
1. GET ADEQUATE EXERCISE
“Regular exercise is crucial,” LeSueur says. It can help prevent conditions that strain the heart, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels. “
Movement is medicine,” he says. “This body that we all have was built to move.”
2. EAT WELL
Proper nutrition promotes healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Heart-healthy foods include fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, healthy fats, whole grains, beans, and legumes.
“Eating and exercise go hand-in-hand when it comes to heart health,” LeSueur says. “Maintaining a healthy diet with proper nutrients is key.”
3. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT
“Maintaining a healthy body weight is a direct result of the first two,” Lesueur says. “If one is exercising and eating properly, you will likely maintain a healthy body weight.”
Excess body fat, especially in the abdomen, increases the chance of cardiac conditions and other health issues.
4. CUT OUT SMOKING AND REDUCE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
“These are two major risk factors,” he says.
Smoking can cause arteries to harden, damaging the heart and blood vessels. It can also lower the amount of oxygen in the blood, which raises blood pressure and heart rate. Similarly, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke. Excessive alcohol intake can, too.
5. PRIORITIZE MENTAL HEALTH
“This one is often overlooked, but managing stress is an important factor for heart health,” LeSueur says. Stress causes the body to stay in a heightened physiological state, increasing the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. This makes your system work harder than it has to.
“So even if I’m just sitting at home and I’m stressed, my heart is working like I’m running a marathon,” he says. “So you put more miles on your system than you have to. It’s just like a car — the fewer miles you put on it, the longer it will last.”
Over time, stress can have detrimental effects on the heart. LeSueur suggests finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, journaling, or a hobby you enjoy.
For more information on cardiac rehabilitation at Saint Francis, visit Saintfrancishosp.com or call 901.765.2048.
By Maya Smith