“The sad truth is that the vast
majority of us has heart disease
and we don’t know it,” Goff says.
Blood pressure and cholesterol
levels can provide early
signs. “People should see their
doctor, find out their cholesterol
and blood pressure numbers,
and if needed, take medication,”
advises Goff.
There are many other tests
to detect heart disease. An electro
cardiogram, also called an
EKG or ECG, measures electrical
activity in your heart. It
can show how well your heart
is working and pick up signs of
a previous heart attack.
Another test called an echocardiogram
uses sound waves to
detect problems. It shows the
size, shape, and structures of
your heart. It can also measure
blood flow through your heart.
Although early heart disease
might not cause symptoms, advanced
heart disease may cause
chest pressure, shortness of
breath, or fatigue. Some people
may feel lightheaded, dizzy,
or confused. Tell your doctor if
you’re experiencing any symptoms.
Make Healthy Choices
Talk with your doctor about
your risk of heart disease and
what you can do to keep your
heart healthy.
“The most important things
for everyone to do to keep their
heart healthy—to keep their
entire body healthy—is to eat a
healthy diet, get plenty of physical
activity, maintain a lean
body weight, and avoid smoking
and exposure to secondhand
smoke,” Goff says.
Following a heart-healthy
eating plan is important
for everyone. “When someone
puts food on their plate,
about half the plate should be
fruits and vegetables. About
a quarter of the plate should
be whole grain. And about a
quarter should be lean protein,
like lean meat or seafood,” says
Goff.
Healthy Living | Fall Issue | 2017 43