Cardiovascular health has become a growing focus in modern life, as stress, poor diet and sedentary habits increasingly impact daily routines.

In this context, public awareness and accessible health advice are seen as just as important as medical advances in preventing heart disease.

That was the focus of a recent social media post by Andalucian president Juanma Moreno, who shared a video of his conversation with well-known cardiologist Aurelio Rojas.

Posting on X, Moreno described Rojas as ‘one of the most influential doctors in Spain’, highlighting his role at Malaga’s Regional Hospital and his large online following of more than 1.5 million people.

The discussion centred on how to translate complex medical knowledge into practical, everyday advice.

‘We’ve spent years learning the language of medicine, but turning that into something people can apply in daily life isn’t easy,’ Rojas explained.

He credited this approach with helping him reach a wide audience and influence healthier habits.

One of the key topics was sleep – an issue Moreno admitted struggling with. The president asked whether any simple habits or foods could improve rest.

Rojas pointed to research suggesting that eating kiwi before bed may help.

‘People who consumed kiwi fell asleep faster, had more restorative sleep and woke up less during the night,’ he said.

The conversation also touched on stress, particularly during the pressures of an election campaign.

Moreno asked what advice the cardiologist would give to people facing constant travel and high tension.

Rojas stressed the importance of maintaining basic routines: making time to rest, staying physically active and avoiding extremes that could do more harm than good.

He also highlighted the major role lifestyle plays in heart health. While genetics matter, he said, ‘between 70% and 80% of the risk of developing heart disease comes from our way of life.’

Among the biggest risks, he singled out ultra-processed foods, chronic stress and lack of sleep. In fact, he warned that the impact of stress is often underestimated.

‘Some studies suggest the risk from chronic stress can be comparable to smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day,’ he said.

The conversation ultimately reinforced the message that long-term health depends less on quick fixes and more on consistent lifestyle choices, from diet and exercise to rest and stress management.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.