Do you know what is the cause 1 of death in America? According to the CDC, It’s a heart diseaseThis causes more deaths than cancer, accidents and COVID-19. In a report by the American Heart Association in 2025, the organization reveals that someone dies a cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds. When did you go back the last time you have your heart checked?
February is the month of the American heart, just in time for Valentine’s Day, which means that this is the ideal time to plan your annual physique so that your heart is riddled by your doctor. Learn more about your heart can help you make lifestyle adjustments to prevent the risk of heart disease, the silent killer of America.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a general term used to Describe several conditions This affects the heart, including, but without limiting itself, arrhythmias, valve disease and congenital cardiac malformations. The most common heart disease is coronary gap, which alters blood vessels, hinders blood flow to the heart and can increase your risk of heart attack.
Heart disease is often not diagnosed until the symptoms of a heart attack or heart failure arise. The regular screening for heart disease is essential to help you get ahead of many fear of health.
What causes a heart disease?
Cardiac diseases can occur at any age. In the case of Congenital heart diseaseThis can happen at birth. Other times, it develops throughout our lives, as coronary arteryprogressing slowly as the plate accumulates. The cause of heart disease will vary depending on the type of condition. Let us focus on coronary diseases because it is the most common type that people experience.
THE Causes of coronary diseases are genetics, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Essentially, your heart must work harder because things stand on the way, putting more pressure on the organ than necessary. Your heart can only work so long under excessive stress.
The CDC says almost half of the Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease. This is why you should get projections regularly. Now let’s dig when you should.
Tip: it is before symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pressure or weakness arise.
When should you be detected for heart disease?
THE American Heart Association Recommends that routine screenings begin at the age of 20. It seems early, but heart disease can also affect young people. By starting regular projections at 20 years old, your doctor can establish a reference base for your body and monitor changes as you age. At this point, even if you are not considered at high risk (see below), it is important to monitor Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and lifestyle factors through family history, physical exams and blood tests. Routine projections for people at lower risk should be as follows::
- Blood pressure: If your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm HG, the tests should be carried out each year, or more often if your blood pressure is higher.
- Cholesterol: Adults at normal risks should have their cholesterol tested every four to six years. Those who have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke may require tests more often.
- Blood sugar: This should be done at least every three years from the age of 45.
- Lifestyle factors: With the visit of each doctor, factors such as physical activity, diet and smoking will be discussed.
High -risk factors require more frequent monitoring
Regular screening for all patients should start at the age of 20 and proceed to intervals. However, if you are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, you are likely to be detected more frequently. Risk factors Include high blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking, family history of heart disease, age and lifestyle.
If you are more at risk, additional cardiovascular tests may be necessary, especially if you experience symptoms associated with heart disease, such as an irregular heart rate.
Additional tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram: To measure the pace and electrical activity of your heart, you may need an EKG or ECG. It is an painless and non -invasive method to monitor the cardiac function. It only takes a few sticky electrodes on your chest. Your doctor may ask you to wear a portable ECG called a Holter Monitor For a few days to get a more complete image.
- Echocardiogram: There are times when your doctor may want to look at the structure of your heart. An echocardiogram implies an ultrasound machine to assess how your heart pumps.
- Stress tests: Heart stress tests are essentially ECG with exercise. Your doctor will attach the electrodes to your chest, and you will walk, run or pedal while your doctor monitors your heart’s response. You can also be invited to breathe in a tube for a few minutes.
- Cardiac computed tomography angiography: This non -invasive test uses X -rays to create a 3D image of your heart. It 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 locate the narrowed or blocked areas in the arteries providing blood to the legs, feet or arms and hands.
Practical advice to prevent heart disease
Cardiac diseases are serious, but it is also largely avoidable and treatable, in particular with regular screenings. You have more control over your heart health than you think. Try to add these daily habits to your life to Reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the main causes of heart disease. Stop smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
- To move: Exercise is the oldest advice in books for a reason. To maintain heart health, aim at 150 minutes moderate Weekly exercise, which lasts only 30 minutes a day for five days.
- Watch your health at home: There is at home heart rate,, blood pressure And glucose monitors, as well as fitness trackers, who can help you monitor your health between visits to the doctor.
- Refine your diet: Eat foods that Nourish your body is essential to heart health. As often as you can, avoid foods rich in saturated and trans fat. Look for opportunities in your diet to make healthy exchanges. Always opt for meals rich in nutrients that include vegetables and whole grains.
Too long; Didn’t read?
Do not be satisfied with a “good enough” approach to your health. The heart is one of the most vital organs in the body, and sometimes it is difficult to know when it is sick. This is why cardiac health projections begin so early. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are among the most common conditions, and unfortunately, they considerably increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Regular screening and controls are among the best tools to determine your health and help you make changes that can reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
