In this episode, Dr. Riz, a vascular surgeon, joins the host to talk about heart disease and how lifestyle plays a crucial role in its development. The host specifically addresses concerns from a listener named Lisa who is worried about developing heart disease due to it running in her family. Dr. Riz explains that genetics does have an impact, but the expression of genes is greatly influenced by lifestyle choices. He also shares his story of how he learned about the benefits of plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine, and how he incorporates it into his practice to help his patients improve their outcomes. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of heart disease, its causes, and how listeners can take control of their health to prevent or manage it.Key points:Making lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. These changes include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress.It's important to know your risk factors for heart disease and to get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Your provider can help you identify potential risk factors and provide guidance on how to make the necessary lifestyle changes.Small changes can add up over time and lead to significant improvements in heart health. For example, taking a 10-minute walk after dinner each night can help you reach the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.Resources mentioned in this episodeNorth Texas Vascular CenterDr. Riz's Guide to Preventing Atherosclerosis About Dr. Rizwan H. BukhariRizwan H, Bukhari, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified vascular surgeon who treats various vascular issues, including aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis, lower extremity arterial blockages, gangrene, dialysis access grafts, and varicose veins. He has seen the ravaging effects of poor lifestyle choices on his patients’ health. Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, such as obesity, tobacco use, hypertension, and diabetes, are mainly diseases secondary to the foods we eat and our lifestyle choices.Dr. Bukhari promotes food as medicine and lifestyle medicine to help his patients and the general public prevent, halt, and sometimes even reverse disease. He owns North Texas Vascular Center, where he offers diagnostic services and minimally invasive outpatient procedures largely related to amputation prevention and limb salvage.Connect with Dr. RizNorth Texas Vascular CenterPlant-Based DFWInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_riz_bukhari/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrizwanbukhari/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DrRizBukhariTwitter: https://twitter.com/DSupport the showConnect with UsWebsite: Healthy Lifestyle SolutionsInstagram: @healthylifestylesolutionsYouTube channel: Healthy Lifestyle SolutionsSubscribe to our newsletter: Our NewsletterLeave us a message: Speak Pipe VoicemailRate Me: https://ratethispodcast.com/hls