The Best Things You Can Do for Your Heart

Many people are unaware of how much age, genetics and lifestyle choices can affect heart health. That’s why many doctors say that assessing your risk of a heart attack or death is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. Your first step is to ask your doctor to help determine your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and to discuss your risk factors for heart disease. Do you have a family history? Hypertension? Do you smoke? How much alcohol do you drink? If these risk factors are raised in any way, your doctor may suggest one or more heart tests the could save your life. Cardiologists are now able to use advanced imaging and blood tests to give you a much more accurate assessment of your heart attack risk. In fact, some of these tests may even be able to detect cardiovascular disease 20 to 30 years before it becomes severe enough to cause a heart attack or stroke. Work with your doctor to determine which tests are right for you.