When it comes to the hustle and bustle of most people, time is a luxury. Doctors say this is usually a myth. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Ranga Reddy is no stranger to the relentless demands of healthcare, back-to-back OPD, high-pressure cardiac consultation and emergency calls stretched through the night. But behind the white coat and steel pipe lab gloves, there is unnegotiable care for his health.
“People often ask me, ‘How do you manage to keep it right with your schedule?’ Honestly, it’s not easy,” Dr. Reddy said frankly. “But I realized something crucial: I wouldn’t be able to take care of others if I didn’t take care of my own heart.”
Rule 23 hours
It was this consciousness that made him create a rule for himself: only 23 hours a day. What is 24 hours? That belongs entirely to him. He explained: “One hour is mine – my heart, my heart, fitness.”
He started his day with warm water and light exercise, starting his day, either stretching or walking to get the blood flowing.
Breakfast is simple and practical: oats, eggs or fresh fruit. “Nothing fancy,” he said. “Just healthy heart, fresh.”
After the workday begins, this is a full sprints-cath Lab program, consultation, follow-up. By contrast, his nutritional strategy remains calm and consistent. He keeps his diet clean, avoids too much salt, sugar and fried food while maintaining good moisture.
“A heart-healthy diet doesn’t need to be complicated,” he said. “Just go.”
Evening exercise
The real reset is at night. As the chaos of the day settled down, Dr. Reddy transferred the gears and moved them.
“That’s when I exercise. It helps me relax and protect my heart,” he said. “Exercise is not bound by a rigid format. It could be a brisk walk, light training, or just a long and intentional stretching session to play music in the background.
“Music is like treatment. It keeps the rhythm, keeps me focused, and makes the sweat feel worthy.”
He often thinks through complex case-solving and the fusion of body while exercising. “It brings clarity and creativity and makes my heart more than one.”
Habits, not hobbies
He admitted that there were several days of motivation falling. But that won’t change the rules. “This hour is not optional. It’s what keeps me rooted, energetic, emotionally balanced and aerobic.”
For doctors, heart fitness does not require gym membership or marathon medals. Its demands consistency and quiet contempt for excuses. It just needs to be a habit. One hour a day. every day. Your heart will thank you – every beat. ”
