The combined effect of adequate sleep, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and a high-quality diet provides cardiovascular protection in humans that is comparable in magnitude to pharmacological intervention.

Study: Minimum and optimal combined variations in sleep, physical activity, and nutrition in relation to all-cause mortality risk

This study found that people who slept well, exercised moderately, and ate healthy foods were much less likely to die early — as much as people taking heart medicines. So yes, healthy habits can be just as powerful as pills for protecting the heart.

Study: Factors of health in the protection against death and cardiovascular disease among adults with subclinical atherosclerosis

This study found that people with early signs of heart disease who slept well, exercised regularly, and ate healthy foods had much lower risks of heart problems — almost as much as if they were taking heart medications.