Awareness of Heart Diseases: When and why you should check now

Do you know what causes death # 1 in America? According to CDC, This is a heart diseaseWhich causes more deaths than cancer, accidents and Covid-19. In a report by the American Cardiac Association in 2025, the organization reveals that someone dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 secondsS With that in mind, when was the last time you checked your heart?

February is American Heart Month, just in time for Valentine’s Day, which means it’s a great time to schedule your annual physically to see your heart from your doctor. Knowledge more about your heart can help you make lifestyle adjustments to prevent the risk of heart disease, the silent killer of America.

What is a heart disease?

Heart disease is a general term used Describe several conditions which affect the heart, including, but not only arrhythmias, valve disease and congenital heart defects. The most common heart disease is coronary disease that damages blood vessels, interferes with blood flow to the heart and can increase the risk of a strokeS

Heart diseases often become undiagnosed until symptoms of heart attack or heart failure are presented. Regular screening of heart disease is essential to help you get ahead of your health.

What causes heart disease?

Heart diseases can occur at any age. In the case of congenital heart diseaseThis can happen at birth. Another time evolves throughout our lives, such as Coronary artery diseaseIt slowly progresses as the plaque accumulates. The cause of heart disease will vary depending on the type of condition. Let’s focus on coronary heart disease as it is the most common type that people experience.

Thehe Causes of coronary heart disease are genetics, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. In essence, your heart should work more comprehensive, because things are on the road, putting more tension to the organ than necessary. Your heart can only function so long in excessive stress.

CDC says this almost Half Americans They have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, you should regularly receive screenings. Now let’s dig in when we need to.

Tip: This is before symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pressure or weakness are presented.

When should you check for heart disease?

Thehe American Cardiac Association It recommends that routine screenings begin at the age of 20. That sounds early, but heart disease can also affect the younger people. Starting regular screenings at 20, your doctor may establish a basic line for your body and monitor changes with changes with advancing age. At this stage, even if you are not considered a high risk (see below), it is important to Monitor Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and lifestyle factors through a family history, physical examinations and blood tests. Routine screenings for those with a lower risk should be as follows:

• Blood pressure: If your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg, testing should be performed every year or more often if your blood pressure is higher.
• Cholesterol: Adult risks should test their cholesterol every four to six years. Those who are at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke may need testing more often.
• Blood glucose: This should be done at least every three years, starting at the age of 45.
• Lifestyle factors: Visiting each doctor will discuss factors such as physical activity, diet and smoking.

High risk factors require more frequent monitoring

Regular screenings for all patients should start at the age of 20 and continue at intervals. However, if you are at a high risk of cardiovascular disease, you will probably be reviewed more often. Risk factors Include high blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking, a family history of heart disease, your age and your lifestyle.

If you are at risk, additional cardiovascular tests may be required, especially if you experience symptoms associated with heart disease, such as irregular heart rhythm.

Additional tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram: To measure the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart, you may need EKG or ECG. This is a painless, non -invasive method of monitoring cardiac function. Only a few sticky electrodes on your breasts are needed. Your doctor may require you to carry a portable ECG called a Holter Monitor For a few days to get a more full photo.
• Echocardiogram: There are times when your doctor may want to examine the structure of your heart. The echocardiogram includes an ultrasonic machine to evaluate how your heart pumps.
• Stress tests: Heart stress tests are mainly an ECG with exercise. Your doctor will attach the electrodes to your chest and you will either walk, run or pedals as your doctor monitors your heart’s reaction. You can also be asked to inhale a pipe for a few minutes.
• Cardiac computed tomography angiography: This non -invasive test uses X -rays to create a 3D image of your heart. This can help doctors find the presence and percentage of narrowing in the coronary arteries and blood vessels.
• Peripheral angiography: X -rays and contrast dye help your doctor find narrow or blocked areas in arteries that supply blood to the legs and legs or hands and hands.

Practical tips for preventing heart disease

Heart disease is serious, but it is also largely preventable and treatable, especially with regular screenings. You have more control over the health of your heart than you think. Try adding these daily habits to your life to Reduce the risk of heart diseaseS

• Give up smoking: Smoking is one of the main causes of heart disease. Leaving smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
• Move: Exercise is the oldest advice In the books for a reason. To maintain heart health, target yourself in 150 minutes moderate Weekly exercise, which is only 30 minutes each day for five days.
• Follow your health at home: Has a home heart rate., blood pressure and Glucose monitorsand Fitness trackers, This can help you monitor your health between your doctor’s visits.
• Precise your diet: Eating foods that Nourish your body is essential for the health of the heart. As often as you can avoid foods high in saturated and trans fat. Look for opportunities in your diet to make healthy swaps. Always choose nutrient -rich dishes that include vegetables and whole grains.

Too long; Didn’t you read?

Don’t just use a “good enough” approach to your health. The heart is one of the most vital organs of the body, and sometimes it is difficult to know when it is sick. That’s why Heart Health’s screening starts so early. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are one of the most common conditions and, unfortunately, they significantly increase the risk of developing heart disease.

Regular screenings and reviews are among the best tools for determining your health and helping you make changes that can reduce your chances of developing heart disease.