In this post:
- Heart disease often develops silently, making routine screenings essential, even when you feel fine.
- Preventive checkups track key markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and family history.
- Heart care needs change with age, from early awareness in your 20s to closer monitoring in your 60s and beyond.
- The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 offers practical habits for lasting cardiovascular health.
- Your Family Medical provides preventive heart care and annual checkups in Flower Mound, Bedford, and Benbrook, TX.
When you think of heart health and heart care, you may brush it off as something that is “only for older people.” But that is not the case. February is American Heart Month, which can act as a great yearly reminder that your heart deserves a little attention, no matter your age. Unfortunately, a lot of heart-related issues can build up over time with little to no symptoms. That’s why routine checkups and screenings are extremely important. At Your Family Medical, we specialize in preventive heart care in Flower Mound, TX, so you can have the information and support you need to make the best decisions about your health. Let’s go over why it’s time for your next checkup!
Feeling Fine? Heart Checkups Still Matter
Many people make the mistake of thinking, “I’m not having symptoms, so I’m good.” However, heart health is one of those areas where early awareness can make all the difference. Routine checkups can identify:
- Blood pressure trends
- Cholesterol or blood sugar concerns
- Your personal and family history of heart health
- Status of basic bloodword
- Lifestyle factors that may be increasing risk (stress, sleep, tobacco use, movement, etc.)
Heart Health By Age
Not sure when to start or where to start when it comes to your heart health? Here is a breakdown by age that can vary by person:
Ages 20 to 30:
- Make it a point to know your typical blood pressure numbers
- Get routine labs done
- Ask your family about their history of any known heart problems
Ages 40 to 50:
- Stay on top of your stress and weight, since these things are known to impact your heart health
- Take it seriously if you are ever told that your blood pressure is running a little high
- Ask what screenings make sense for your personal risk factors
Ages 60+:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar still matter more than ever
- Always review any medications you are taking
And yes, heart health can start in children and teenagers, too. At Your Family Medical, we care for patients across generations!
8 Habits for a Healthy Heart
The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 is a great list to follow when it comes to improving and maintaining cardiovascular health:
- Eat better
- Be more active
- Quit tobacco and avoid nicotine
- Get healthy sleep
- Manage weight
- Control cholesterol
- Control blood sugar
- Control blood pressure
Remember, even just making small improvements can make a big difference!
FAQS: Your Common Heart Health Questions Answered
Q: How often should I get checked for heart health?
A: A yearly wellness visit works for most people. But if your blood pressure or cholesterol is high OR heart disease runs in your family, your provider may recommend coming in more often to stay ahead of it.
Q: What if heart disease runs in my family?
A: All the more reason to get checked out as soon as possible! Don’t leave out any details of your family history so your doctor can create the most accurate screening plan for you.
Q: What symptoms should never be ignored or put on the back burner?
A: You should seek immediate care right away for any chest pressure or pain, a sudden shortness of breath, or symptoms that feel severe or unusual for you.
Let’s Review
- Many heart risks are silent and don’t show symptoms right away. That’s why regular screenings are so important.
- Heart health isn’t the same for everyone. Multiple factors are at play, like your age, family history, and lifestyle habits.
- February (American Heart Month) is a great annual reminder to book the visit.
Heart Health Checkup in Flower Mound, Bedford & Benbrook, TX
If you’ve been putting it off, don’t wait any longer to schedule a heart health checkup! February is a great time to get back on track. We would love to care for you at Your Family Medical. Schedule your appointment today. We look forward to caring for you!
Bedford, TX:1305 Airport Fwy #302A Bedford, TX, 76021. P: 817-283-6995
Benbrook, TX: 9239 Vista Way, Benbrook, TX 76126. P: 682-224-6474
Flower Mound, TX: 4101 Kirkpatrick Ln. Flower Mound, TX 75028. P: 972-436-7531
