Owner of a Healthy Heart

February is Heart Health Month and a perfect time to think about that fist-sized pump in our chests that propels vital oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies 100,000 times per day. Each of us has one, and while healthcare providers can help us manage our heart health, you, and you alone, are the sole owner.

As the owner of your heart, you have the job of protecting it, so it keeps on ticking. It’s like routine maintenance for a car or a house. There are certain things we can do to keep our car’s engine or our house’s HVAC system in prime condition. The same goes for our hearts.

We’ve all heard of things we shouldn’t do for our heart health. Along with reducing risks, one thing we want to do to help keep our hearts in tip-top shape is visit our healthcare provider for a “heart check-up.”

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, usually has no symptoms, so you may not know you have it. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg, it’s recommended to check it at each regular health care visit, or at least once a year. If it is higher than that, or if you have a strong family record of heart conditions, your doctor or healthcare provider may want to check it more often.

Lipid Panel (Cholesterol & Triglycerides)

This check-up test measures your total cholesterol count, which includes LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, or good cholesterol. It also measures triglycerides, a sort of fat in your blood. It is best to get this fasting blood test every 4-6 years, starting at 20 years of age, or more frequently depending on your risk factors, (such as age, smoking, or diabetes.)

Blood Glucose

This test measures “sugar’ in your blood and is recommended for all people beginning at age 45 years. If the test is normal, it should be repeated at a minimum every 3 years. The more sugar you have in your blood, the greater your chances of developing prediabetes, and increasing your risk of diabetes. Those with prediabetes or diabetes will monitor blood glucose more often, based on the doctor or provider’s guidelines. 

Body Weight Tracking

At each health check-up, your doctor or provider will obtain your weight to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). If your BMI is greater than or equal to 25 kg/m², you may also have your waist circumference measured. These numbers will tell you and your doctor if you have a healthy weight and body composition. The more pounds you carry, the more strain on your heart. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and more.

EKG

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) measures the electrical signals that trigger your heartbeat. If you’re in good health with no heart symptoms, you might not need an EKG. If you have a history of heart disease, certain conditions, symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness/lightheadedness, or unexplained weakness or fatigue, your doctor or provider may perform an EKG within specific guidelines.

When was the last time you took your heart in for service?  If you need help finding a primary care provider, contact Health Advocate at 1-866-695-8622 or online at https://members.healthadvocate.com/.

The My Health Coach program can also help support you when making changes around your health. Call 1-866-237-0973 or email [email protected] to learn more or to get started with free, confidential health coaching.