¿Cómo está tu corazón? Formas de evaluar y reducir el riesgo de enfermedad cardíaca

Tener conversaciones abiertas con su médico es una parte vital de su bienestar. Y cuando se trata de la salud del corazón, la comunicación es clave para prevenir afecciones y abordar los riesgos cardiovasculares.

En tu cita o chequeo anual, tu médico podrá realizar varias evaluaciones integrales para establecer una línea base para tu bienestar cardiovascular, así como monitorear cualquier síntoma o inquietud que puedas tener. También discutirá varios aspectos de su salud que pueden afectar su corazón, como factores de estilo de vida como fumar, consumo de alcohol y sus hábitos de ejercicio.

Healthcare tools to monitor your heart's health

Your doctor may use several tests to understand your heart's health and monitor any symptoms.

Among those tests are risk calculators like the Framingham Risk Score and ASCVD risk calculator. These tools help predict your 10-year risk for your first cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, coronary heart disease death or a stroke. When we know your risk, we can partner with you to make lifestyle modifications that can reduce your risk and improve your heart's health.

Another vital tool that your health care team will use to assess your cardiovascular risk is a lipid screening. A lipid screening, also known as a Prueba de colesterol, is a blood test that measures the levels of various lipids (fats) and cholesterol in your blood.

La prueba generalmente incluye la medición de:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, higher levels of HDL cholesterol are beneficial for heart health.
• Total cholesterol: This is the sum of your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.
• Triglycerides: These are another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels can also contribute to heart disease risk.

You can track your results of your lipid screenings and other tests through the MyBSWHealth app. The app lets you review your test results and ask your healthcare provider questions about what you can do to improve your heart health. MyBSWHealth also lets you quickly and easily schedule in-person or video appointments to discuss results with your doctor.

3 formas de ser proactivo en la salud de tu corazón

Muchas enfermedades cardiovasculares, como la enfermedad de las arterias coronarias, se desarrollan silenciosamente, sin síntomas perceptibles. Mantener un estilo de vida saludable permite la detección temprana de factores de riesgo, lo que permite intervenir y prevenir oportunamente. Aquí hay algunas maneras en que puede ser proactivo en la salud de su corazón.

1. Attend regular doctor's appointments

The first step toward a proactive approach to heart health is regular visits to your doctor. Annual wellness exams provide a platform for preventative measures and open dialogue. Don't be afraid to ask questions or raise any concerns you may have. It's important to ensure your doctor has a full understanding of your individual health needs.

2. Tome decisiones saludables para el corazón

Making heart-healthy choices on a daily basis is key. But dietary and exercise changes don't have to be overwhelming. Incremental progress is key. Start with 5-10 minutes of exercise daily and gradually increase it to 30 minutes each day.

Nutritionally, it is important to avoid fad diets and stick with smaller portions and consistency in what you eat. Year after year, the Mediterranean diet is most often recommended to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. This diet emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats, including vegetables and fruits and oils from fish and nuts. Studies have linked the Mediterranean diet with lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

3. Reconocer los primeros signos de enfermedades cardíacas

Si bien los primeros signos de insuficiencia cardíaca varían, existen algunos comunes que puede aprender a detectar, como:

• Dolor en el pecho que a menudo se describe como una sensación de presión, opresión, opresión y dolor, con dolor que puede irradiarse a la mandíbula, el cuello y el brazo izquierdo.
• Sensaciones de náuseas, indigestión o acidez de estómago.
• Fatiga persistente o dificultad para respirar con mayor facilidad.
• Aturdimiento o mareos repentinos

Si experimenta alguno de los anteriores, busque ayuda médica de inmediato.

Las conversaciones con su médico, los chequeos anuales y las modificaciones en el estilo de vida allanan el camino hacia una vida más saludable y consciente del corazón.

Concerned about your heart health? Find a cardiologist near you.