Dr. Malissa Wood

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and February is American Heart Month. There is no better time to think about your heart health and make sure you’re heart-healthy all year long.

Why is heart health important?

The heart pumps blood and oxygen throughout the body. If the heart is weakened, the body’s organs won’t receive enough blood to function at an optimum level. The heart is part of the circulatory system, a network of blood vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries, that carry blood to and from all areas of the body.

Blood carries the oxygen and nutrients that organs need to work properly. Valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the right direction and without a healthy heart, none of this would work correctly.

When should you see a cardiologist?

Patients don’t always see a cardiologist because there is a problem. Many appointments are centered around prevention and treating concerns before they become problematic. If someone has a strong family history of heart disease, they may see a cardiologist to mitigate potential long-term risk factors, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

A family history of heart disease is constituted by a diagnosis of coronary artery disease or stroke in a first degree (parent or sibling) before the age of 55 in a male or 65 in a female. Additionally, a history of blood clots in the legs/lungs, aortic or brain aneurysm, heart failure or sudden death are also very important factors to share with your clinician.

Some patients may see a cardiologist more frequently for ongoing or regular checkups to monitor their progress and to develop a treatment plan if they’ve already been diagnosed with a heart condition.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consider sharing them with your primary care physician to help determine best next steps:

• A feeling like your heart is racing very fast

• Feeling like you might faint

• Shortness of breath that’s worsening

• Chest discomfort or bad indigestion that’s not going away

• Swelling in the legs

• Noticeable weight gain

Adults with a family history of heart disease should consider visiting a cardiologist in their twenties or thirties to make sure all is well with their heart health and to develop a plan for how frequently they should come back for a check-up.

Younger adults who do not have a family history but want to make sure they’re heart healthy should discuss a plan with their primary care physician who can refer them to a cardiologist if needed.

Age and Heart Health: What to Be Aware Of?

Heart disease is more common in older adults, but everyone should always be aware of their risk factors and current health.

Adults who are 65 years old and older are more likely than younger adults to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Aging can cause changes in the heart and blood vessels that can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease. However, things like smoking, a poor diet, high cholesterol, being overweight and a lack of regular exercise can also influence someone’s heart health and exacerbate any potential health concerns.

What can I do to keep my heart healthy?

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), incorporating these habits into your lifestyle can help keep your heart in good shape:

• Eating healthy

• Being active

• Staying at a healthy weight

• Quitting smoking and staying away from secondhand smoke

• Controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure

• Only drinking alcohol only in moderation

• Managing stress

Your age and family history also play a role in the potential for heart disease. Your risk is higher if: 

• You’re a woman over 55 years old

• You’re a man over 45 years old

• Your father or brother had heart disease before 55

• Your mother or sister had heart disease before 65

If you are experiencing any symptoms, have a family history of heart disease or have any questions about your heart health, please make an appointment with a physician and learn more at leehealth.org.

Dr. Malissa Wood is the Chief Physician Executive for the Lee Health Heart Institute.