A cardiologist can treat your symptoms and advise you on the road back to heart health.
Heart health is more important than ever, especially as we age. Knowing the signs for heart disease can help keep you well, and can give you the spark you need to maintain—or work your way back—to overall health. Taking preventative measures to care for your heart is better for your general well-being. A cardiologist can treat your symptoms and advise you on the road back to heart health. Don’t delay!
What are the signs and symptoms of heart disease?
Angina is chest pain that may feel like discomfort, heaviness, and pressure (an elephant on your chest), or an aching and burning sensation. It can often be mistaken for heartburn. It can also be felt as discomfort in the neck, arm, shoulder, and back. See your doctor for chronic discomfort, but go immediately to an ER for sudden chest pain.
Shortness of breath when completing normal tasks can be a sign that your overall fitness needs a tune up, but it can also be a symptom of decreasing heart capacity due to coronary failure. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with normal tasks like cooking, walking to and from your car, or shopping, this could be a sign of something to address.
Heart palpitations (a flip-flip feeling in your chest) are when your heart rate speeds up or is erratic without an external physical cause. An irregular heart beat, dizziness, and weakness, often combined with nausea, are other signs that your heart may need a check-up.
What can I do to prevent heart disease?
- Quit smoking. There is no better gift to give yourself than this. Every day without a cigarette is a healthier day for your heart and lungs!
- Know your blood pressure and keep it under control. Through weight loss, medication, and regular exercise, you can lower your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.
- Watch what you eat. Adding fruits and veggies while cutting back on red meat and fats can improve not only your heart, but your overall health.
- Exercise regularly. The heart is a muscle, so how about treating it like one? A daily walk, weight lifting, and aerobic fitness can improve your cardio health.
- Maintain a healthy weight. A doctor can help you determine your target weight and can give you the tools to get there. You don’t have to go it alone!