A loved one recently had a heart attack, and now you find yourself wondering about your own heart health. Are you at risk of heart problems yourself? And how can you tell if your heart is healthy?
If you’re wondering, “How do I know if my heart is OK?”, you’re not alone. Whether a loved one has experienced a heart attack or you’re simply thinking more about your health, taking steps to assess your heart’s condition is vital.
Getting a clear picture of your heart health now can help prevent future problems, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Regular checkups, lifestyle adjustments, and advanced screenings can provide the tools you need to take charge of your cardiovascular health.
What Are the Symptoms of an Unhealthy Heart?
Recognizing the warning signs of an unhealthy heart is crucial for early intervention and treatment. While some symptoms may be subtle, others are more obvious and should never be ignored. Common signs include:
- Chest pain or discomfort: A feeling of pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest, especially during physical activity.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, particularly after light activity or while resting.
- Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion or feeling unusually tired without a clear cause.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet: This could indicate poor circulation or fluid retention.
- Irregular heartbeat: A fluttering sensation or noticeable changes in your heart rhythm.
These symptoms may be linked to conditions like high blood pressure, clogged arteries, or heart failure. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider right away to assess your heart health and determine the next steps.
How Do I Know If My Heart Healthy?
An annual visit to your primary care provider is one of the most reliable ways to monitor your heart health. During this visit, your provider will check vital numbers that indicate your overall health and heart condition, such as:
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
- Cholesterol levels: Elevated LDL cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease.
- Blood sugar levels: High blood sugar may indicate diabetes, which can damage your heart over time.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese puts additional strain on your heart.
By tracking these metrics over time, your doctor can identify patterns and potential issues early, offering recommendations to maintain or improve your heart health.
Can You Prevent Genetic Heart Disease?
In many cases, yes. While your genes may increase your risk of certain heart health conditions, you can take steps to lower your overall risk in other ways.
If you have a family history of cardiovascular conditions, make sure your medical provider knows. This information can help guide your care, including recommendations for protecting your personal heart health.
This may include recommendations that you have other heart health screenings in addition to the ones outlined above. It may also include more frequent checkups, preventive medications, or a referral to a cardiologist to carefully monitor your heart health and your risk factors over time.
If you’d like to take extra steps to ensure your heart is in good shape, you can turn to the Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Metabolism and Lipids at Georgia Heart Institute. We offer non-invasive screenings, such as cardiac calcium scoring, to help you keep an eye on your heart health and also offer counseling for those with a genetic risk of heart disease.
How Can I Keep My Heart Healthy?
Whether you have a family history of heart disease or not, you can take steps to protect and strengthen your heart health. Implementing healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way toward keeping your heart healthy.
Take these steps to protect your heart:
- Move more often.
Staying physically active gives your heart health a big boost. Aim for around 30 minutes of exercise per day, and remember that even simply getting up and moving around during the day is beneficial. - Fuel your body in a healthy way.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are packed with healthy antioxidants. Supplement those nutritional powerhouses with lean protein sources, like tofu, chicken, or fish, and whole grains. Choose whole foods instead of processed foods when possible to avoid saturated fat, excess sodium, and added sugar. - Stop smoking.
If you don’t smoke, don’t take up the habit. And if you do smoke, talk with your provider about smoking cessation tools that can help you quit. - Get plenty of sleep.
Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to keep the heart healthy and strong. Practice good sleep hygiene and prioritize getting the recommended amount of sleep. - Work to manage stress.
Americans are now more stressed than ever, and that stress can affect your heart. Find healthy ways to manage your stress, such as exercise, meditation, a hobby, or time with friends.
Put Your Heart Health First—Start Your Journey Today
Want to learn more about how to keep your heart healthy and strong? Connect with our care team at the Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Metabolism and Lipids at Georgia Heart Institute at (770) 219-0960 to learn more about keeping your heart healthy and preventing heart disease.