By being proactive with your heart health, you no longer have to be reactive.
Your heart health is determined by multiple factors. And there are steps you can take now to make sure it stays strong for years to come.
Heart Disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the United States
The good news is that the vast majority of heart disease is preventable. Simple changes — like learning your risk factors, eating healthier, managing your weight, exercising, and taking care of your emotional health — can have a huge impact on your heart health. When you take care of your heart, it will continue to take care of you.
Protect your heart.
Routine medical check-ups. By establishing with a primary care provider (PCP), you're taking the first step towards preventative care. This is the first step toward better self-care. Your PCP will be able to track your cholesterol and blood pressure over time to ensure you're staying healthy.
Know and reduce your risk factors. If you smoke or are overweight, you are creating risk factors that could increase your chances of heart disease. By losing weight and stopping tobacco use, you may be able to reverse the damage. Other risk factors include:
- Family history of cardiovascular disease.
- Poor eating habits.
- Lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle.
- Problems with emotional health (stress and anxiety).
- Weight and obesity.
Develop a personalized plan. Metrics such as age and gender are the broadest risk factors in the fight to prevent heart disease. Just because one person isn't at risk, doesn't mean you're not and vice versa. By seeking an evaluation with a specialist, you are able to create a personalized plan based on your medical history.
Preventative heart care services.
A service offered by all Health First Cardiologists that aligns with our mission to enhance the wellness and health of Brevard. Preventative care improves overall wellness and helps lower the risk of heart disease. Services include:
- Initial consult with a provider.
- Electrocardiography (EKG).
- Lab work (lipid panel, calculated LDL, fasting glucose).
- Calcium scoring study (may not be applicable for every patient).