Keys to a Healthy Heart

February is American Heart Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and empowering individuals to take steps toward better cardiovascular health. While many people think of heart health in terms of diet and exercise alone, your spine, nervous system, and overall lifestyle also play important roles in keeping your heart strong.

At our office, we believe in a whole-body approach to wellness. Here are some key ways you can support a healthy heart this February and beyond.

1. Stay Active — and Stay Aligned

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Even moderate activities like brisk walking, stretching, or yoga can make a big difference.

Chiropractic care can help support your active lifestyle by:

  • Improving mobility and flexibility
  • Reducing joint restrictions
  • Helping your body recover more efficiently
  • Helps eliminate aches and pains

When your spine is aligned and your nervous system functions optimally, your body is better equipped to move well — and movement is one of the best gifts you can give your heart.

2. Support Your Nervous System

Your heart doesn’t beat on its own — it’s regulated by your nervous system. The brain communicates with the heart through nerves that travel down the spinal cord and exit between the bones of the spine. Misalignments (subluxations) in the spine can interfere with this communication, potentially affecting how efficiently your body regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and stress responses.

In simple terms, your nervous system is like your body’s electrical wiring system. Your brain sends signals down through your spine and out through nerves that control every organ, including your heart.  These signals regulate your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and how your body responds to stress. 

There are two main branches involved in this system:

  • First is the Sympathetic system. This is your “fight or flight” system and can increase heart rate and blood pressure during stress. 
  • Second is the Parasympathetic system. This  is your “rest and digest” system and slows down your heart rate and promotes recovery and healing.

For  optimal heart health, these two systems must stay balanced. When one system is constantly overactive – especially the stress response – it can place extra strain on the cardiovascular system. 

You may be wondering how a chiropractic adjustment influences this process.  The nerves that help regulate heart function start in the brain and travel through the upper neck. The top bone in the neck is known as C1 or Atlas. This bone plays an important role in protecting this proper communication pathway. If this area is misaligned, it may contribute to stress on the nervous system, which can influence how the body regulates heart function. 

What Does Research Suggest:

Research has explored this relationship between upper cervical (C1/Atlas) adjustments and cardiovascular function. Some studies have shown that specific adjustments to the atlas may

  • Improve heart rate variability (HRV), which is a measurement of how well the nervous system can adapt to changes in the environment. A higher HRV is generally associated with better cardiovascular health and resilience.
  • Support more balanced autonomic nervous system activity
  • Contribute to reductions in blood pressure in certain individuals.

HRV is especially important because it reflects how efficiently your body shifts between “fight or flight” and “rest and digest”. When HRV improves, it often indicates better nervous system adaptability. This often helps to support healthier heart function over time.

When the brain and body communicate clearly, the body is better equipped to regulate itself and that includes your heart. 

3. Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure, increase inflammation, and place extra strain on the heart. Incorporating stress-management techniques into your routine is essential.

Try:

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Regular stretching
  • Massage therapy
  • Prayer or meditation
  • Consistent chiropractic care
  • Whatever allows you to decompress yourself

Adjustments can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system — your “rest and digest” system — allowing your body to better manage stress and tension.

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4. Nourish Your Body Wisely

A heart-healthy diet includes:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables

  • Lean proteins

  • Whole grains

  • Healthy fats (like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil)

  • Limited processed foods and added sugars

Hydration is equally important. Drinking enough water helps your heart pump blood more efficiently and supports overall circulation.

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5. Prioritize Quality Sleep

Your heart works hard all day — give it time to recover. Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, inflammation, and increased risk of heart disease.

Chiropractic care may help improve sleep quality by reducing pain, easing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation.

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6. Keep Up With Preventive Care

Regular check-ups with your primary care provider are essential for monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other heart health indicators. Preventive care allows you to catch small issues before they become larger concerns.

Chiropractic care works alongside traditional medical care as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy.

 

Small Steps, Big Impact

Heart health isn’t about one big change — it’s about consistent daily habits. Small, intentional choices add up over time. This American Heart Month, we encourage you to focus on simple, sustainable steps that support your heart and your overall well-being.

If you have questions about how chiropractic care can support your health goals, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to keep your heart — and your whole body — strong and thriving.

❤️ Schedule your next adjustment today and take a step toward a healthier you!

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