Young people often feel invincible, but heart attacks are increasing in people under 40. Heart disease is known as a “silent killer” because it may not have any symptoms. One of every five deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease, making it the leading cause of death.
The good news: heart disease is largely preventable, especially if you start making healthy lifestyle choices when you’re young.
February is Heart Health Awareness Month. Learn the most common risk factors and warning signs of heart disease and what you can do to help improve your heart health.
Can a healthy person get heart disease?
Yes, and that’s why being proactive about your heart health is so important. There are many risk factors that increase your chance of getting heart disease – some are within your control, and some aren’t. Risk factors include:
- Age – The older you get, the higher your risk is.
- Sex – Men are at higher risk than women.
- Family history – A family history of heart disease increases your risk.
- Unhealthy lifestyle – Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, high stress levels, smoking, and heavy drinking all increase your risk. Even the lifestyle choices you make in your 20s can impact your future heart health.
- Hormone-based birth control – Birth control that contains estrogen can cause your blood pressure and chances of clotting to rise.
Heart disease can go undetected for many years, even decades. When a young, fit, seemingly healthy person has a heart attack or develops heart disease, it’s often shocking. But it should also be a wake-up call that heart disease can affect anyone.
What are the warning signs of heart disease?
The warning signs of heart disease and the intensity of the symptoms may vary. Be sure to visit a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Chest pain – Some people feel crushing pain, while others feel only mild discomfort. Your chest may feel heavy or like it’s being squeezed.
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet – When your heart isn’t working properly, blood flows more slowly and backs up in your veins, causing visible swelling.
- Poor blood supply to your extremities – You may have pain, discomfort, or numbness in your thighs, calves, or feet, especially when walking or exercising.
- Rapid heartbeat – If your heart can’t pump blood as well, it may beat faster than usual. You may feel your heart racing or throbbing.
In addition to these signs, women with heart disease are more likely to experience:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Change in skin color to a greyish tone
Never ignore these signs or wait to see if they go away on their own – instead, contact a doctor right away.
How can you lower your risk for heart disease?
The sooner you take action, the better the impact on your heart health! Here are some of the best ways to lower your risk:
Commit to a healthy lifestyle
- Eat a nutritious diet – Eat foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium to keep your heart healthy.
- Exercise regularly – Being physically active can help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Combining exercise with healthy eating habits also helps lower your risk of obesity.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels and is a major cause of heart disease. Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to get heart disease.
Manage your medical conditions
- Diabetes – People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease. If you’re prediabetic or have diabetes, work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- High cholesterol – Have your cholesterol checked regularly, especially if you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol or have a family history.
- High blood pressure – Have your blood pressure checked regularly as well, especially if you have hypertension (high blood pressure) or any other risk factors for heart disease.
The conditions above can all contribute to heart disease, so be sure to get tested or monitored as advised by your doctor.
vybe is here to help in a heartbeat
Start making healthy choices and visit vybe to monitor your health now to help lower your risk.
vybe is open 7 days a week with extended hours and provides testing for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other early indicators of heart disease. We also provide physicals to help you live a heart-healthy life.
Walk in or schedule an appointment at your nearest vybe today!
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