I haven’t played NFS Heat, but I have played NFS Most Wanted 2012 and I absolutely love how difficult it is, and how a single crash can set you back a lot.
Avid NFS player here. Are there gonna be cops? If so, don’t use health at all. I’m personally of the opinion that the risk of failure should come from the cops and the cops only.
If not then sure go with health. Personally I don’t like having my progress being slowed by a crash cam or crash sequence unless it’s a really integral part of the game (e.g. Burnout Paradise)