Cardiovascular Health: Understanding and Caring for Your Heart

Cardiovascular health and wellness is one of the main focuses in modern healthcare, and for good reason. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death both in the United States and globally. Unfortunately, many cardiovascular issues go undiagnosed until it’s too late for treatment. This is one of the reasons why working with a good health insurance broker is so important. With the right coverage, people are much more likely to take advantage of preventative health care, reducing the risks for serious disease and allowing major issues to be diagnosed early.

Routine medical examinations can be life-saving when it comes to heart health, but genetics and lifestyle also play a critical role. By understanding your potential risks, learning how to care for your heart, and watching for warning signs, you can add years to your life while also improving its overall quality.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease is an all-encompassing term that includes a variety of issues that may involve the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries of the body. Some of the most common types of heart disease include:

•        Coronary Artery Disease (blockages in blood vessels)

•        Heart valve disease (malfunction of one or more of the four valves of the heart)

•        Heart arrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heartbeat)

•        Congenital Heart Disease (developmental abnormalities of the heart)

•        Pericardial disease (inflammation or disease of the sac that surrounds the heart)

•        Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)

High blood pressure, which is often associated with cardiovascular issues, is not technically heart disease. It is often a side effect of heart issues or other health problems, and it significantly increases your chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Some of the biggest risk factors for developing cardiovascular problems may be out of your control. Many heart issues are indeed hereditary, so it’s important to take note of your family history. If heart disease runs in your family, you are likely at risk as well. Most of the time, physicians only consider immediate family members (grandparents, parents, and siblings) when analyzing family history.

Other factors that increase your risks for heart disease include:

ObesityDiabetesHigh blood pressureHigh cholesterolSmokingA sedentary lifestyleA diet high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fatAbnormally high or chronic stressBeing over the age of 65 (males) or 70 (females)

Fortunately, most of these can be minimized with a healthy lifestyle and good habits.

Recognizing Cardiovascular Issues

Learning how to identify the symptoms of heart disease can sometimes be difficult because every human body is different. In addition, some signs are shared with other, less serious conditions. It is important to be in tune with your body and to pay attention when you notice anything out of the ordinary, even if it is subtle.

Some of the most common symptoms that point to heart problems include:

Pain, pressure, or tightness in the chestShortness of breathA slow (under 60 beats per minute) or fast (over 100 beats per minute at rest) heart rateFluttering in the chest or the sensation of an extra or missed heartbeatDizzinessFatigueLightheadednessWeaknessSwelling, especially in the hands and lower limbs

Many of these symptoms can be perfectly normal in certain situations but can be dangerous in others. If you develop any of these symptoms for unexplained reasons, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for evaluation. This is especially true if you have a high risk for heart disease.

How to Prevent and Treat Heart Problems

First and foremost, it is important to work with a health insurance broker so you can get
health coverage for routine and emergency medical care. Seeing a doctor at least once a year for checkups and right away when symptoms arise can save your life when it comes to heart disease. However, your everyday habits are also very important for maintaining and improving heart health.

A healthy diet is the first place to start. Foods that are high in salt, fat, and even sugar can increase your risk for heart disease. Limit red meats and stick to lean protein, fatty fish, and plenty of fresh produce. In addition, you need to keep your body active and moving to work your heart muscles and improve blood flow. Just walking at a brisk pace for 20 to 30 minutes a day can significantly improve heart health. Before modifying your diet or starting any type of new exercise, be sure to meet with a physician first. This is especially true if you are high-risk for heart disease or have already been diagnosed with a heart condition.

Prioritizing your cardiovascular wellness is a critical step in living a long and healthy life. However, there’s more to it than just diet and exercise. A health insurance broker can make sure you have the right coverage, keeping you and your family protected while allowing you to get the treatment and care you need. To learn more about which health insurance options and plans are right for you,
contact Sacket & Associates Insurance Services today.