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Your heart is a hard worker. Every single minute, it pumps blood through your vessels and delivers oxygen and nutrients to keep your body alive. But the heart won’t always offer early warning signs when things start to go wrong. Millions of people only find out about problems after an appointment with their heart doctor when it’s already serious. Capital Cardiology Associates is here to help you recognize early symptoms so you can know your risk factors and protect your most important organ.
Most people use the terms heart condition and heart disease interchangeably, but they aren’t the exact same thing. Heart disease usually refers to coronary artery disease, which is a buildup of plaque inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It’s a leading cause of heart attacks and one of the most common reasons why people end up going to the emergency room. Heart conditions can cover a variety of issues that affect the heart’s function, including arrhythmias, valve disorders, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. A heart condition won’t necessarily lead to a heart attack, but a lot of them will have an effect on how well your heart can do its job. If you’re managing a heart condition, then your treatment might look a lot different than if you’re struggling with clogged arteries. Your cardiologist can help you pinpoint what’s happening and guide you toward the appropriate care plan.
Your heart can power through a lot, but that also makes it easy to dismiss some of the earliest symptoms of trouble. Pay attention to subtle changes so you can recognize subtle changes that could save your life. If you have shortness of breath while at rest or after very mild activities like cooking dinner or walking casually around your office or living room, then this could be a red flag. Fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, or heart palpitations are also common red flags. Dizziness is very common, too, and is more noticeable than some of the other warning signs. These symptoms don’t mean that a heart attack is inevitable, but you should see a heart doctor for a screening. A cardiologist can run tests to make sure that your heart is functioning the way it should.
What you eat, how much you move, and the way you handle stressful situations are all important factors for your risk of heart disease. Thankfully, most of these daily habits are within your control. Diet is a great place to start. Foods that are really high in salt, saturated fats, and processed sugar will raise your cholesterol and blood pressure. If consumed in high quantities for a long time, you could end up with blocked arteries. Eat more vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats that will help you reduce inflammation and support heart health. It’s also a good idea to stay active for 30 minutes a day minimum. This improves circulation and will help you maintain a healthy weight. Smoking has become far less common, but if you still haven’t kicked the habit, then it’s time to try. Cigarettes can damage the lining of your arteries. It also raises blood pressure and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. Quitting will start to reverse some of that damage. Chronic stress is probably one of the most underestimated causes of heart trouble. Hormonal responses can create inflammation and blood pressure problems, which can contribute to heart conditions. Find healthy ways to cope with stressful situations or obligations to protect your heart long-term.
Heart disease frequently runs in families, so your genetic makeup could put you at higher risk of developing problems. However, having a family history won’t guarantee that you’ll have an issue. It just means you should be more aware of risks. Genetics can influence cholesterol levels and may increase the likelihood of conditions like cardiomyopathy. If a close relative has had a heart attack at a young age, you should mention it to your heart doctor. Just remember that genetics are only a piece of a larger puzzle. You might not be able to change your DNA, but you can make healthy choices and stay proactive about screenings to reduce your chances of developing serious problems.
Heart health is one area where misinformation can run rampant. Believing the wrong things could prevent you from getting care when you need it. For example, some believe that heart disease only affects older men. In reality, heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women. Women actually experience different symptoms entirely, though, like jaw pain or backaches, so they could accidentally overlook the clues. Some think that if you’re thin or active, your heart will automatically be healthy. Exercise and a healthy weight will reduce risks, but they don’t provide instant immunity. Genetics, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure also play an important part, and they aren’t visible from the outside. Your cardiologist can help you sort out the facts from the fiction and create a realistic plan that will work for you.
Tests like cholesterol screenings, EKGs, and stress tests offer vital insights into how well your heart is working. You don’t need to wait until the symptoms show up to take action. The best time to see a doctor is before you have a problem. Your doctor may also recommend advanced testing if something seems off. Imaging tests like echocardiograms will give a more detailed look at your heart and blood vessels. The earlier an issue is spotted, the more options will be available for prevention and treatment.
If you want to take control of your heart health, reach out to Capital Cardiology Associates. We’re here to help support you. Our screenings and professional care services will help you manage risk factors and live a heart-healthy life. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
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