We don't want to be fatalistic, but the fact of the matter is: heart disease is deadly. And while many people realise this, and rightfully fear it, we've also found that many people don't realise something even more important and significantly more reassuring: heart disease, for the most part, is preventable. Here's what you need to know:
Some people are at a higher risk of heart disease.
Genetics can play a part in heart disease, but it's not as prevalent as many believe. Age, lifestyle, and other medical conditions or history have a larger role to play in your risk of a serious cardiovascular incident. So if you're serious about lowering your risk of heart disease, (and particularly if you have a family history of heart disease, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or diabetes) your first step is to get a thorough check-up to determine where you stand in the risk category. At CardioCare Marbella, we offer a range of different check-up packages, from basic to premium executive. The package most suited to you will depend on your medical history, lifestyle and current health status. All check-ups include consultations by our cardiologists pre and post investigations, which include BP, BMI, ECG, Echocardiography, Streets Tests and blood analysis. To find out more about our health check-ups click here.
Diet plays a major role in preventing heart disease.
As cliché as it is, you really are what you eat. And when it comes to preventing heart disease, a change to a healthier diet can make a world of difference. A poor diet can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even Type 2 diabetes, all of which are major (and silent) contributors to heart disease. So when striving for a healthy heart lifestyle, healthy eating is a must. Now of course no one is perfect, and we don't expect your diet to be either, but in general reducing your portion sizes, cutting back (or cutting out) pre-packaged, processed and high sodium foods and increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables and fibre all make a significant impact on lowering your risk of heart attack and heart disease.
Exercise is always a good choice, no matter your physical condition or background.
Some believe that if you're at risk of heart disease, you should reduce the strain you put on your heart through exercise. This is simply not true. The heart is a muscle and exercising it will only make it stronger, overall reducing your risk of heart disease. Of course, every person and every heart is different, so before starting any exercise routine, make sure you speak with your doctor.
You really do need to stop smoking.
It's not just something all doctors say out of habit. When it comes to preventing heart disease, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do. It's never too late either, because the positive effects of stopping are relatively fast when it comes to your heart and cardiovascular system. Just one day tobacco-free lowers your risk of heart disease and that risk will continue dropping too. One year without smoking will cut your risk of heart disease in half, and over time that risk will continue to lower until you'll have the same cardiovascular risk as that of someone who never smoked in their life.
Don't avoid seeing your doctor.
With Covid-19 still part of our lives, an over-abundance of caution has meant that some people are avoiding seeing their doctor. Please don't. Especially when it comes to heart disease, which can strike fast and with little warning. If you are experiencing any symptoms of heart trouble (chest pain or discomfort, weakness, shortness of breath, pain in your arms or jaw, severe acid reflux, or unexplained nausea or fatigue) or are concerned about your heart health for any reason, speak with your doctor or give CardioCare a call.
Our safe and sanitary private heart and vascular centre in Marbella offers you cardiovascular specialists and state-of-the-art equipment to quickly get you the answers you're looking for. Contact us and book your appointment online or call us at +34 677 759 003. And remember, if you are experiencing a heart attack or other cardiovascular emergency, call 112 or visit your local emergency clinic right away. If you are in Marbella, you can also contact HC International Hospital where you'll be treated by the CardioCare team.
Our message to you…
Take care of your heart and it will take care of you.