Heart Health: Prioritizing Your Well-Being
- Wickersham Group
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Heart health is essential at every stage of life. Your heart works nonstop to support everything your body does, and caring for it helps protect your energy, independence, and overall quality of life—both now and in the years ahead.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of illness, yet many risk factors can be prevented or managed through routine care, early attention, and healthy daily habits. “As a provider, heart health is crucial because it impacts overall well-being and longevity,” says Aza Fahed, MD, FAAP, Vice President of Medical Services. “I encourage patients to prioritize it to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve energy levels, and enhance their quality of life.”
Why Heart Health Matters
Your heart delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body every second of the day. When heart health is affected, it can influence how active you feel, how well your organs function, and how your body handles everyday demands. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can quietly strain the heart over time—often without clear symptoms.
“When you’re younger and healthy, maintaining heart health sets a strong foundation for the future,” explains Dr. Fahed. “It helps prevent the development of cardiovascular issues later.”
Regular checkups and early detection play a key role in protecting your heart.
Know Your Numbers
Understanding your health numbers is an important part of heart care:
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels over time if left untreated.
Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Blood Sugar: Managing diabetes or prediabetes helps reduce added strain on the heart.
“You want to keep your blood pressure at 130/80 or lower, total cholesterol under 200, and fasting blood sugar between 70–99,” says Dr. Fahed, Vice President of Medical Services.
Your healthcare provider can help explain what these numbers mean for you and how often they should be monitored.
Everyday Habits That Support a Healthy Heart
Small, consistent choices can have a meaningful impact on heart health:
Stay active: Regular movement—like walking, stretching, or light exercise—adds up over time.
Manage stress: Ongoing stress can affect heart health; making time to rest and recharge matters.
Get enough sleep: Quality sleep supports heart function and overall wellness.
Avoid tobacco: Smoking and tobacco use significantly increase the risk of heart disease.
“I usually encourage patients to start with small, realistic changes,” says Dr. Fahed. “Incorporating more whole foods into their diet, engaging in regular physical activity, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep—these simple habits can really make a big difference over time.”
You don’t have to change everything at once. Even one small step can lead to lasting improvements.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or swelling in the legs should never be ignored. Listening to your body and seeking care early can make a critical difference.
“Often, mild chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, or shortness of breath that isn’t accompanied by intense pain can be overlooked,” explains Dr. Fahed. “Symptoms like nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in areas such as the jaw or back can also be easily missed.”
Heart Health Is Preventive Care
Caring for your heart isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about prevention. Regular checkups, open conversations with your care team, and manageable lifestyle changes can significantly lower the risk of heart disease.
“A simple step patients can take today is incorporating a short, daily walk into their routine,” says Dr. Fahed, Vice President of Medical Services. “It can significantly boost heart health without feeling overwhelming.”
Taking time to check in on your heart and schedule routine care is a powerful step toward long-term health. Your heart works hard for you—making heart health a priority is one of the best ways to support your overall well-being.
Heart Symptoms Can Look Different in Women and Men
Heart disease and cardiac events don’t always look the same for everyone. While chest pain is a common warning sign, symptoms can vary between women and men, and recognizing these differences can be life-saving.
Common symptoms often reported by men include:
Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
Pain spreading to the left arm, neck, or jaw
Shortness of breath
Sudden sweating or nausea
Women may experience more subtle or atypical symptoms, such as:
Unusual or extreme fatigue
Shortness of breath without chest pain
Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like discomfort
Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or shoulders
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Because these symptoms may not feel like a “classic” heart problem, they are sometimes overlooked or mistaken for stress, anxiety, or other conditions—leading to delays in care.
“In women, heart attack symptoms can sometimes be more subtle, like fatigue, nausea, or back pain, whereas men might experience more classic chest pain,” says Dr. Fahed. “It’s crucial to take all symptoms seriously to ensure early detection and timely treatment.”
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