Understanding and caring for your heart

Cardiovascular health and wellness are a major focus of modern healthcare, and for good reason. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and the world. Unfortunately, many cardiovascular problems go undiagnosed until it’s too late to treat. That’s one reason why working with a good health insurance broker is so important. With the right coverage, people are more likely to take advantage of preventive healthcare, which reduces their risk of serious illness and allows major problems to be diagnosed early.

Routine medical checkups can be a lifesaver when it comes to heart health, but genetics and lifestyle factors also play a crucial role. By understanding your potential risks, learning how to take care of your heart, and watching for warning signs, you can add years to your life while improving your overall quality of life.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease is an umbrella term that covers a variety of problems that can affect the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries in the body. Some of the most common types of heart disease include:

• Coronary artery disease (blockages in the blood vessels)

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

• Arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat)

• Congenital heart disease (developmental abnormalities of the heart)

• Pericardial disease (inflammation or disease of the sac surrounding the heart)

• Cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle)

High blood pressure, which is often linked to cardiovascular issues, isn’t technically a heart disease. It’s often a side effect of heart issues or other health problems, and it greatly increases your chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors for heart disease

Some of the major risk factors for cardiovascular problems may be out of your control. Many heart problems are actually hereditary, so it’s important to note your family history. If heart disease runs in your family, you’re likely at risk, too. Most often, doctors only consider immediate family members (grandparents, parents, and siblings) when analyzing family history.

Other factors that increase the risk of heart disease include:

• obesity
• Diabetes
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• smoking
• unstable lifestyle
• A diet high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats
• Abnormally high levels of stress or chronic stress
• Be over 65 years old (for males) or 70 years old (for females)

Fortunately, most of these problems can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle and good habits.

Recognizing cardiovascular problems

It can sometimes be difficult to recognize the symptoms of heart disease because every human body is different. Additionally, some signs are similar to other, less serious conditions. It is important to be in tune with your body and pay attention when you notice anything unusual, even if it is subtle.

Some of the most common symptoms that indicate heart problems include:

• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
• shortness of breath
• Slow (less than 60 beats per minute) or fast (more than 100 beats per minute at rest) heart rate
• Chest palpitations or feeling of an extra or missed heartbeat
• dizziness
• exhaustion
• Dizziness
• weakness
• Swelling, especially in the hands and lower extremities

Many of these symptoms may be completely normal in some situations, but they can be serious in others. If you experience any of these symptoms for no apparent reason, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation. This is especially true if you are at 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 that you can get
Health Coverage For routine and emergency medical care. Visiting your doctor at least once a year for checkups and as soon as symptoms appear can save your life when it comes to heart disease. However, your daily habits are also very important to maintain and improve your heart health.

Eating a healthy diet is the first place to start. Foods high in salt, fat, and even sugar can increase your risk of heart disease. Limit your red meat intake and stick to lean protein, fatty fish, and plenty of fresh produce. In addition, keep your body active and moving to strengthen your heart muscles and improve blood flow. Just walking briskly for 20 to 30 minutes a day can significantly improve your heart health. Before you make any changes to your diet or start any new type of exercise, be sure to talk to your doctor first. This is especially true if you are at risk for heart disease or have already been diagnosed with a heart condition.

Prioritizing your cardiovascular health is a critical step in living a long, healthy life. However, it’s not all about diet and exercise. A health insurance broker can make sure you have the right coverage, protecting you and your family while allowing you to get the treatment and care you need. To learn more about health insurance options and plans that are right for you,
Contact Sacket & Associates Insurance Services today.