There is no such thing as a wrong question to ask when it comes to your heart health, and every ounce of information can help you control your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and to help you live your healthiest life. Lovelace had the opportunity to sit down with Brendan J. Cavanaugh, MD, FACC and pick his brain about some heart-heavy questions.
What can parents do to teach their kids to be heart-healthy?
- Reduce stress by keeping them away from social media
- Cut out all fast food and soft drinks
- Reduce processed food and sugar intake
- Lots of fruits and vegetables
- Physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day
How can older people help their hearts get healthier?
- Increase physical activity
- Gets routine health care check-ups
- Reduce stress (listen to music, meditate, etc.)
- Get a pet
- Make a point of keeping up relationships
When should I make an appointment with a cardiologist?
- Everyone should see a Cardiologist at age 50 or older
How would I know if I had heart disease? What are the signs and symptoms?
- Most heart disease is silent, and that is why seeing a Cardiologist at 50 for screening is important
- Typical signs of heart disease are chest heaviness, shortness of breath, abdominal burning, palpitations, significant dizziness or passing out
Do you have any general heart health tips?
- Work on managing stress everyday
- Stay active
- Try new things and get out of your comfort zone
- Cut out foods that are processed or high in simple carbohydrate
- Don’t smoke, limit alcohol intake
- Sleep 8 hours a night
- Smile
If you have any heart-related questions and would like to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, please call 505.727.2727 to schedule an appointment today.