Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in the United States, so recognizing signs and symptoms is important for both prevention and treatment. “As a cardiologist, my objective isn’t only to cure patients when an issue arises. I’m also trying to prevent issues before they arise and assist individuals in making the greatest decisions possible regarding their therapy alternatives,” comments interventional cardiologist Grant Reed, MD. “A lot of what I do is counseling patients through the decision-making process and dispelling any worries or concerns they may have, because their heart is indisputably so crucial.”Â
1 — What Causes Heart Disease?
Aside from blood type and genetics, there are many other lifestyle choices that strongly influence heart illness, including smoking, eating unhealthy food, being sedentary, and more. “A healthy lifestyle, especially when started at a young age, can go a long way toward preventing cardiovascular disease,” warns Harvard Health. “Lifestyle modifications and medications may stop detrimental trends like high blood pressure or high cholesterol from causing harm. And a variety of treatments (including medication), operations (such as bypass surgery), and gadgets (such as implantable defibrillators) can help the heart heal if damage has occurred.”
2 — Heart Disease and Abdominal Fat
Excessively large abdominal fat—often referred to as visceral fat—may raise your risk of heart disease. “There are a number of studies which show that a unfavorable waist-to-hip ratio is highly linked with diabetes and cardiovascular risk,” explains Dr. Barbara Kahn.
3 — COVID-19 and Heart Disease
COVID-19 has been shown to have an impact on heart health, according to doctors. “A lot of my relatives and friends got COVID early this year and last year,” says Dr. Siddharth Singh. “What I’m telling them is that they should be more watchful about their cardiovascular health and that their risk factors for heart disease are adequately controlled. Obviously, if you’re experiencing chest discomfort, shortness of breath or palpitations, you shouldn’t ignore it.”
4 — When Should You See a Cardiologist?
If you’re experiencing chest discomfort or pain, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. “People react differently to this,” Dr. Reed adds. “These symptoms are frequently mistaken for indigestion, therefore they may be dismissed. Chest distress or discomfort is a serious symptom that patients should not ignore. If you’re feeling heart palpitations, go to your primary care physician or cardiologist right away. The tipping point varies from person to person – but if your symptoms aren’t improving, see a doctor. You are the best judge of your own well-being. We often suffer from aches and pains. But don’t take a chance if something feels wrong in your body. Seek medical assistance immediately.”