CINCINNATI (WKRC) – During this busy holiday season, cardiologists have said that people should not forget to take care of their heart.

People can take several steps to keep their hearts beating strong.

For those who have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm problem, in addition to medication or other therapies that a doctor would recommend, lifestyle habits can also play a role in keeping a person well, according to this new report.

Doctors can also keep a person from having a heart event if a person does have atrial fibrillation.

“Atrial fibrillation is when normally the top part of your heart squeezes and the bottom part of your heart squeezes. When you get atrial fibrillation, the top part of your heart goes like this,” said Dr. Tim Henry of The Christ Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center.

He said that can trigger a mess-up of the regular rhythm, which can lead to serious symptoms.

“You have an increased chance of getting blood clots in your heart. You have to be on blood thinners,” Dr. Henry said.

So instead, he said after clearing it with a cardiologist, try a few of the lifestyle changes recommended by the American Heart Association to keep the heart beating strong.

They include cutting back on caffeine, limiting alcohol intake, making a diet heavy on fruits and veggies, controlling weight, exercising regularly, sleeping more and not smoking.

They do add up, so it’s suggested to start with one and build from there.