How much do you know about your heart? Asking your provider the right questions is one of the simplest ways you can help ensure you keep your heart healthy.
“February is American Heart Month, and if you have concerns or questions about your heart heath, speak with your primary care provider, or cardiologist if you’re already seeing one, who can connect you to additional resources,” says Dr. Craig Brett, a cardiologist with Northern Light Mercy Cardiovascular Care, which has offices in Portland and Yarmouth Maine.
Dr. Brett offers some quick facts and questions you can ask your provider to begin – or continue – your journey to living heart healthy.
- “Heart disease is a broad term, and there are many different types of problems that can affect the heart, but the most common type is coronary artery disease.”
Coronary artery disease is a process where the arteries that feed the heart become obstructed over time with fatty deposits. This can lead to an increased risk of having a heart attack. Of course, there are other diseases that can affect the heart.
Ask: “What are the types of heart disease I should be most concerned about given my age and current health conditions?”
- “Most people who develop coronary artery disease have one or more of the three major risk factors – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking,” says Dr. Brett. It’s critical to know if you have any of those risk factors so that they can be adequately treated.
“There are also effective strategies to support people who want to quit smoking,” adds Dr. Brett. “Your medical provider can guide you through these processes and prescribe medications that might be helpful.
Ask: “Can we make sure to measure my blood pressure and cholesterol, and compare it year after year to make sure it remains within a healthy range?”
- “There is increasing recognition that chronic stress plays a role in developing heart disease,” says Dr. Brett. “Knowing the harmful effects of chronic stress and practicing mindfulness can be very helpful in preventing cardiac events.”
Everyone’s stress levels are different, but if you think it might be taking a toll on your heart, it’s important to bring that up with your provider and develop a plan.
Ask: “How do I know if stress is putting my heart at risk, and if it is, how can I manage my stress better?”
- “Genetics are very influential in determining whether someone may develop coronary artery disease or not, and so it is important to know about your family history,” says Dr. Brett. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about your genetics, he says, but you can focus on controlling other risk factors, like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Ask: “I have a family history of heart disease. How much does this influence my heart health, and knowing this, what are some of the steps I can take to keep my heart healthy?