This article was Written by Som A. Bailey, DO | Cardiologist and submitted to Knox Pages for publishing.
Most heart attacks are preventable. The biggest risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, inactivity, and family history. While we can’t change our genetics, we can control many of the factors that influence heart health.
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and managing stress all play an important role. It’s equally important to keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control, whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or both.
Heart disease often develops silently for years before symptoms appear. That’s why regular checkups are so important. For some patients, additional testing—such as a coronary calcium score or coronary CT angiography—can better define cardiovascular risk and help guide treatment.
Preventing heart disease isn’t about perfection. It’s about making consistent healthy choices and identifying problems early. Working with your primary care provider and cardiologist can help develop a personalized plan to reduce your risk of heart attack and keep your heart healthy for years to come.
